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/ 


INTRODUCTION. ^ ^ ' 


It is hardly necessary any American lad need 
be reminded of the details of that glorious cam- 
paign which ended with the surrender of Lord 
Cornwallis ; but yet, in order to freshen the 
memory, it may be well to read the following 
concise statement of facts as set forth by Prof. 
K. M. Deven: 

“In the summer of 1781, Cornwallis had 
taken possession of several places in the south, 
and, in the latter part of July, desirous of estab- 
lishing himself firmly in Virginia, he accord- 
ingly selected York town as a suitable defensive 
post and capable of protecting ships of the line. 
By placing his troops, therefore, around the 
village, and drawing about them a range of 
outer redoubts and fieldworks calculated to 
command the peninsula, Cornwallis had, as he 
thought, established himself well. 

“ Lafayette, with an inferior number of troops. 


VI 


INTRODUCTION. 


was at this time at Williamsburg, but was 
unable to make successful engagements with the 
superior force of the British. Seeing at once 
the importance of putting some check upon the 
progress of Cornwallis at the south, Washing- 
ton determined to unite the American and 
French forces, then in the neighborhood of 
New York, and join Lafayette at Williamsburg. 
This junction was effected on the 14th of Sep- 
tember, Washington being at the head of the 
American troops, and the Count de Kochambeau 
at the head of the French forces. At the same 
time the Count de Grasse, with his fleet entered 
the Chesapeake, after a slight engagement with 
Admiral Graves off the cape, and was joined by 
the squadron of the Count de Bandas from New- 
port. Three thousand men, under the Marquis 
Saint-Simon, were also added to the troops 
under Lafayette’s command; and these com- 
bined forces then moved toward Yorktown and 
Gloucester, where Cornwallis was stationed. 

The British general had been expecting aid 
from Sir Henry Clinton at the north, but so 
adroitly had Washington withdrawn his troops 


CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER I. page 

Guy Peyton 1 

CHAPTER II. 

The American Lines 21 

CHAPTER III. 

The British Fleet 46 

CHAPTER IV. 

Yorktown 70 

CHAPTER V. 

Louis Poindexter 94 

CHAPTER VI. 

Freedom 120 

CHAPTER VII. 

In Hiding 146 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The Assault.; 171 

CHAPTER IX. 

SuiTender 196 






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MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY 


A Story of the Siege of Yorktown 
in 1781. 


/ 

By JAMES OTIS. Vg. 



With Six Page Illustrations by J. Watson Davis. 

NEW YORK: 

A. L. BUKT, PUBLISHER, 



22498 


Cop 3 Tight, 1898, by A. L. Burt. 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


AUG - 1 1898 


of CoVi 




TWO COPIES RECEIVED. 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PAGE 

“Hold on, lads, don’t be in such a hurry to leave,” cried the 

stranger 6 

“Ahoy on the frigate I Do you want to buy any fish?” 56 

Louis was roughly, and completely stripped of his garments . 105 

Louis felt himself grasped by the shoulders and pulled vio- 
lently through the aperture 122 

Morgan raised his musket, and the soldier fell headlong, shot 
through the heart 147 

While the boys were scaling the wall, they were confronted 

by a powder-begrimed figure 193 



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MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


CHAPTER I. 

GUY PEYTON. 

It was on the 11th day of October, in the 
year 1781, that Guy Peyton, son of a planter 
who lived near the bank of the York River, 
equi-distant from Williamsburg and Yorktown, 
and his cousin Louis Poindexter, were in a 
small skiff near the shore of the river apparently 
engaged in fishing. 

Their lines were out, and now and then one 
or the other gave heed when a nibbling fish 
tugged at the hook ; but the thoughts of the 
boys were on what might be occurring at the 
village of Yorktown, rather than the possible 
catches to be made. 

Louis’ father was in the American army, an 


2 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

aid on General Lafayette’s statf, and when 
General Cornwallis issued an order that such of 
the inhabitants as wished to leave their homes 
might do so, Louis’ mother and himself sought 
refuge at Colonel Peyton’s plantation. 

Guy’s father was also a member of the 
American army, and it was but natural the one 
great grief in the hearts of these two boys was 
that they were not yet of sufficient age to admit 
of their becoming soldiers. 

Two days after Mrs. Poindexter abandoned 
her home to the mercies of the British soldiery, 
that is to say on the 30th day of September, 
Yorktown was completely invested by the 
American and British troops, and the siege had 
begun. 

On the 3d of October Colonel Peyton and 
Major Poindexter paid a hasty visit to the plan- 
tation, and then it was that these two fourteen- 
year-old boys begged most earnestly for permis- 
sion to enter the ranks of the Continental army, 


GUY PEYTON. 


3 


declaring, as boys are wont to do in order to 
gain their purposes, that it would be possible 
for them to perform the work of men. 

At first the two officers laughed at the 
entreaties of their sons, then they listened for a 
certain time patiently, and after that grew 
weary of the importunities, until finally Colonel 
Peyton said, as if to put an end to the sub- 
ject : 

When the time comes, my son, that you can 
be of real service to the cause, I shall say noth- 
ing against your striving to do all a lad may in 
in behalf of the country’s freedom; but until 
then you and Louis are to remain here on the 
plantation, where you represent Major Poin- 
dexter and myself.” 

^^But who shall say, father, when that time 
has come?” Guy asked as if determined to 
receive some definite promise. Suppose you 
were away from home, as is like to be the case, 
and it seemed to one or both of us that we 


4 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

might accomplish some good, how should it be 
decided that such was the fact ?” 

If you laid the matter before your mother, 
and she told you it was right to embark in 
whatsoever you might have in mind, the matter 
would be settled satisfactorily to me,” Colonel 
Peyton replied with a laugh, little thinking that 
the hour was so near at hand when, by exposing 
himself to much danger, his son would be able 
to render important service. 

And thus the matter was settled, as the 
fathers believed, for many years to come, and, 
as the sons earnestly hoped, for only a brief 
period. 

From that day until the time mentioned 
above, these two lads ceased not to speculate 
upon the possibility that they would soon be 
taking part in the stirring scenes which were 
being enacted all around them. 

The French fleet under Count de Grasse 
remained in Lynn Haven Bay. 


GUY PEYTON. 


5 


From the distance the boys had seen the 
French and American forces march down to 
invest the town, and after that they were without 
news either from the besieged or the besiegers, 
because of the fact that neither friend nor enemy 
had occasion to pass that way. 

Since the day of their fathers’ visit no word 
had been brought to them regarding the pro- 
gress of affairs, and they were speculating as to 
whether the British or the Americans held the 
advantage, when suddenly from around a slight 
bend in the river came a small skiff with a 
single occupant. 

It was only natural that the boys, although 
they were far from being cowards, should feel 
some alarm at the approach of this stranger, 
for he wore the scarlet coat of a British 
soldier. 

The first thought in the mind of each was 
that the enemy must have gained the day, 
otherwise this man would not dare venture so 


6 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


far from the camp, and Guy whispered 
hurriedly : 

is time we were making a move, Louis, 
else we are like to find ourselves in Yorktown, 
where there would be no possibility of aiding 
the cause.” 

The boat was moored with a rock tied to a 
short length of line, and this Louis began 
hastily to pull in while his cousin took up the 
paddle, when the stranger cried in an exceed- 
ingly friendly tone: 

“ Hold on, lads, don’t be in such a hurry to 
leave; but tell me who lives in yonder 
house ?” 

My father, Colonel Peyton,” Guy replied 
quickly, for he was proud of the military title 
which had been bravely won. 

Do you mean Colonel Peyton of the Ameri- 
can army ?” 

Surely a Virginian would not be found 
among the Britishers,” Guy cried hotly. 



» Hold on lads, don't be in such a hurry to leave,” cried the stranger. -Page C. 

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GUY PEYTON. 


7 


“ Truly he should not ; but yet there be in 
these colonies many who serve the king when 
one would say all their sympathies should be 
with their country.” 

As yours are, I suppose ?” Louis added, 
growing braver now since no other redcoats 
appeared. 

Certainly, and were it otherwise I should 
blush to own it.” 

Then if your sympathies be so great with 
your own country, why not understand that 
other countries may be as dear to those who 
are bred there, and remain at home instead of 
coming here to oppress us?” 

The stranger looked really bewildered for an 
instant, and then, much to the mystification of 
the boys, burst forth in a hearty laugh. 

It was well said, young sir, and for the 
moment I forgot the color of my coat, strange as 
that may seem. Now, instead of thinking me one 
who is over-curious and would pry into matters 


8 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

which are none of his concern, I beg you tell 
me if you two be brothers ?” 

1 am the son of Major Poindexter, an aid 
on Greneral Lafayette’s staff,” Louis replied 
proudly, determined that this Britisher should 
be made acquainted with his father’s full rank, 
and glad of an opportunity to show the enemy 
that he dared thus speak. 

Major Poindexter, eh ? It so chances that I 
am well acquainted with the gentleman, and now 
if you two will do me the further favor of say- 
ing who may be in yonder house — I mean what 
men-folks are around — I shall deem it a great 
kindness.” 

Meaning that you are of the mind to learn 
if our home may be plundered in safety ?” Guy 
said sharply, and again the stranger laughed, 
adding much to the bewilderment which was 
beginning to come upon the lads. 

^^The color of the coat affects you as much as 
it does a bull. Master Peyton, and I am not 


GUY PEYTON. 


0 


sorry it is so ; but yet, I pray that you answer 
the question, promising meanwhile that there is 
no thought of plunder in my mind ; but on the 
contrary, I can speedily make it known that I 
am a friend rather than an enemy.” 

“We are not afraid to tell you the facts, nor 
should we be if there were half a dozen at your 
back, for my cousin and I are not awkward 
when it comes to handling a musket, and 
weapons are plenty at Peyton Hall. Save for 
the slaves, there are none here except our 
mothers and ourselves.” 

“Then, lads, have I come to the right spot, 
for knowing the father of one, I can vouch for 
the honesty of both, otherwise I would not put 
my life in your hands.” 

“If you do not go ashore, there is no danger, 
for we have been forbidden to provoke a quarrel 
with the enemy,” Guy said loftily, and now the 
redcoated man laughed again. 

“ Yet, I do propose to go ashore if it so 


10 


MORGAN, TttE JERSEY SPY* 


pleases me ; and wliat is more, it is in my mind 
that you will receive me as a friend ; but first, 
let me make myself understood. I trust to 
your patriotism in thus declaring what in a 
British camp would cost me my life before sun- 
rise to-morrow : I am enlisted in the British 
army.” 

“ So we can see by the uniform,” Guy replied, 
wondering meanwhile why this Britisher should 
be so merry, and what was his purpose in thus 
foolishly saying he put his life in their 
hands. 

‘^But it was by the special request of the 
marquis. General Lafayette, that I enlisted, and 
were you boys but this moment at my home in 
New Jersey, I could show you there such 
writing from the commander-in-chief, General 
Washington, as would convince you that while 
my coat is red, my heart is true-blue.” 

General Lafayette asked you to enlist, and 
the commander-in-chief has sent you a writing,” 


CUY t>EYTON. 


11 


Guy repeated, and Louis exclaimed, as the 
understanding came upon him 
“ Then you must be a spy !” 

“ Ay, lad, so I am ; and now you can under- 
stand that I spoke only the truth in saying that 
I put my life in your hands.” 

^‘But, then, why are you here? How is it 
that you are outside the British lines ?” 

Because I have information which it is 
necessary should be imparted to General Lafay- 
ette at once, and I may not carry it myself and 
return to the British camp. It was for the pre- 
tended purpose of fishing that I set out thus, 
with the hope of finding some one who could be 
entrusted with the message. Now if it so be, 
you lads will repeat to Major Poindexter what 
I speak, then is my purpose accomplished, and 
I can return without having aroused suspicion, 
for between here and Yorktown there is little 
chance of meeting with any of the American 
forces.” 


12 MORGAN, TilE JERSEY SPY. 

“We will willingly carry whatsoever message 
you may wish to send,” Guy rej)lied quickly. 
And then remembering his father’s words, he 
added, “We are under instructions not to em- 
bark in any enterprise unless it shall be that 
our mothers decide we can benefit the cause 
thereby; but such decision must be given once 
we have repeated your w^ords.” 

The stranger looked perplexed, and Louis 
made haste to explain what his cousin meant, 
by repeating the conversation between Guy and 
his father nearly a week previous. 

“In such case there can be no question but 
that you will do as I wish. Say to your 
mothers that an American in British uniform, 
by name of Morgan, from New Jersey, is risking 
his life every moment in the hope of being 
able to benefit the cause; that he desires you 
shall say to your fathers these words : ^ The 
first sortie which General Cornwallis proposes 
making will be against the batteries in the 


GUY PEYTON. 


13 


second parallel, and within the next three days.’ 
It is news of the utmost importance, and must 
be delivered without delay.” 

“ But suppose you had not seen two whom 
you could trust?” Louis asked, curious to know 
all this man had in his mind. 

^^In such case I should have considered that 
duty demanded I desert from the British force, 
and thereby be unable to send any further 
information into our lines. Are you minded to 
charge yourselves with the mission, lads, which 
is accompanied, perhaps, with some danger ?” 

“ Ay, that we are !” Guy replied emphatic- 
ally. ^^And right glad of the opportunity 
which you oifer. I pray now that you come to 
Peyton Hall, where my mother will give you 
welcome.” 

^^That may not be, my lad, for I must return 
to Yorktown without delay, and already has my 
absence been of such length that suspicions may 
have been excited. When will you set out ?” 


14 : MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

“ Within the hour. But, hark you, Master 
Morgan, we know not where to find my uncle 
and Major Poindexter,” 

General Lafayette’s camp, so information is 
brought into the town, lies southeast of the 
British center. If it so be you land anywhere 
on the shore two miles west of the British lines, 
you will come upon the French troops, and 
by making a strong demand they will conduct 
you to the American forces, after which the 
remainder of your work you will find is quite 
simple.” 

During this conversation the spy had paddled 
his boat alongside the boys’ skitf, and there, 
holding fast by the gunwale to prevent the cur- 
rent from carrying him down stream, made 
known his mission. 

Having thus spoken, he was on the point of 
releasing his hold in order to seize the paddle, 
when Guy, leaning forward, held out his hand 
as he said 


GUY PEYTON. 


15 


father has taught me to honor brave 
men who risk their lives for their country, and 
I would thank you for having come here, since 
because of it Louis and I may have some little 
share in the struggle against the king.” 

Morgan pressed the outstretched hand 
warmly ; then Louis presented himself, and 
when the adieus had thus been spoken the brave 
Jerseyman, whose life might be the forfeit of 
this visit, took his departure, saying, as he 
swung the boat around : 

Fail not to perform the mission within the 
shortest possible time, for much depends upon 
our forces being aware of the enemy’s intentions. 
It may be we shall meet again, and if so, you 
will give me a heartier welcome than was mine 
when I first presented myself.” 

We shall see you after the town has been 
taken, and then I hope you can truly say we 
had some share in the victory.” 

^^And so you will have had, lads, for before 


16 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

the sun sets this night you will have repeated 
to Major Poindexter that with which you are 
charged.” 

It shall be done, or we will both be tahen into 
Yorktown as prisoners,” Louis cried emphatic- 
ally, and soon the spy, aided by the current, 
was beyond the sound of their voices. 

Now had come the time when they might 
not only go into the American lines, because of 
Colonel Peyton’s permission given under such 
conditions as he did not believe would occur, 
but it was absolutely necessary they should 
do so, and it can well be imagined with what 
feverish haste the boys unmoored the light skiff 
and paddled ashore, afterwaiM running at full 
speed to Peyton Hall. 

There several minutes were lost by their 
eagerness in trying to explain the whole ’matter 
with the use of but few words, and when, after 
much questioning, their mothers learned the 
story, the boys were suiprised because permis- 


GUY PEYTON. 


17 


sion to depart was not readily given at once. 
At first both Mrs. Peyton and Mrs. Poin- 
dexter feared lest this was some ruse to entrap 
the lads, for they could not believe the spy 
might safely have gotten out of Yorktown, and 
even in such an improbable event they failed to 
understand why he should not have carried the 
information himself. 

After a time, however, the good women came 
to realize that it would be hardly worth while 
for the enemy to spend time in laying a plot to 
capture the boys, when that single soldier might 
have taken them prisoners, and finally both 
came to believe that there was really urgent 
need for this visit to be made to the American 
forces. 

‘‘Surely father would insist that it was our 
duty to go without delay,” Guy urged, impatient 
because his mother did not give an immediate 
and willing consent. “ Master Morgan repeated 
twice over that it was of the greatest impor- 


18 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

tance, and surely the reason he presented for not 
venturing inside our lines was sufficient.” 

Yes, my son, and yet it seems to me improb- 
able that two lads like you and Louis may be 
able to serve the cause in what would seem to 
be such a signal manner.” 

But it is true, mother, else why would this 
man, who risks his life in bringing out the in- 
formation, have begged us to make speed ? He 
would not have entrusted us with the message, 
mayhap, but for the fact of his acquaintance 
with Uncle Poindexter.” 

It seemed to the eager boys that more than 
an hour had passed before the permission they 
craved was given, and then it was in their 
minds to set off without any preparations what- 
soever; but to this the good women interposed 
such decided objections that they were forced 
to spend yet more precious time in what 
appeared very much like useless labor. 

Not until they were supplied with thick 


GUY PEYTON. 


19 


clothing, for the nights were cold and it was 
possible they would be forced to remain within 
the American lines until next morning, did the 
two ladies consider that the lads were properly 
fitted out for the enterprise. 

Then food must be put up in such form that 
it could readily be carried, and all these prep- 
arations required so much time that at least an 
hour had been spent from the moment they 
parted with Morgan until, accompanied by their 
anxious mothers, they stood on the river bank 
ready to embark. 

The skiff in which they had been fishing was 
the lightest craft on the shore, and in this it 
was proposed to paddle across the river. 

You will be exceedingly careful, Guy, and 
return immediately your father gives his per- 
mission,” Mrs. Peyton cried as the boys pushed 
off, and both mothers gave much good advice 
which it would be impossible to act upon, before 
the boys were beyond sound of their voices, 


20 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

One would think we counted on putting to 
sea, after hearing all the instructions that have 
been given,” Guy said laughingly, and Louis 
replied gravely, as if a sense of the impending 
dangers had already come upon him : 

Before we see them again it may be we will 
love to remember that they were thus careful 
of us.” 

There is no reason why we should not be 
at Peyton Hall again by to-morrow at this time, 
for we go among friends; but I wish most 
sincerely that we might encounter dangers, for 
then it would seem as if our mission was of 
greater importance.” 

Louis made no reply to his cousin’s remark, 
and before they were again at Peyton Hall both 
the boys saw all the danger and suffering that 
the most ardent patriot could have desired in 
his country’s cause. 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


n 


CHAPTER 11. 

THE AMERICAN LINES. 

This first poi-tion of the journey, which con- 
sisted simply in pulling the light skiff across a 
broad sheet of water, was accomplished without 
incident, as might have been expected. 

When the boys were midway they could see 
the English vessels of war, several miles dis- 
tant; but no attention was paid by them to the 
enemy. 

On gaining the opposite shore the two landed 
without hindrance, and Guy became more than 
ever convinced that this attempt to aid the 
cause was so easy of accomplishment as to rob 
it of all merit. Even though the information 
they carried was of the highest importance, it 
seemed to him that they should brave dangeis 
and hardships in order to win praise. 


22 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

If our mothers could see what a simple task 
this has been, their cheeks would redden with 
shame at the thought of having insisted on 
i making such great preparations,” Guy said as 
they leaped ashore from the skiff and began 
pulling her up where she might be at least 
partially concealed by the bushes. 

“ I shall be satisfied even though we do not 
encounter any perils,” Louis replied gravely. 

While I would not shrink at anything which 
might be overcome, it is more pleasant, accord- 
ing to my way of thinking, to do the business 
quietly and in safety, than with a lot of noise 
and the chance of receiving a bullet.” 

“ It is not likely we will have another such 
opportunity, and I have been hoping from the 
moment we set out that something might come 
up whereby we could prove that even though 
our age be not suificient to entitle us to the 
name of ^ men,’ we could do men’s work.” 

^^Now that we have landed, and may per- 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


23 


chance come across a scouting party of British 
— for who shall say that they do not leave the 
town now and then even though it be invested 
— I am not feeling as brave-hearted as before 
we set out, therefore, all this quietness is much 
to my liking.” 

While they spoke the boys had been conceal- 
ing the skiff, so far as was possible, and now 
started due south across the country, expecting 
to strike the American lines in such direction, 
because of information given by the spy. 

They had no more than taken an hundred 
steps when a stern voice shouted from a thicket 
directly in front of them : 

Halt!” 

It was a command they did not expect to 
hear in this place ; but the tone was so peremp- 
tory that both boys involuntarily came to a 
standstill as they looked around in a vain effort 
to discover who had thus cried out. 

Then came what seemed like a volley of 


H MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

guttural sounds, rather than intelligible words, 
and Guy said, with a nervous tremor that did 
not well compare with his hopes of a few mo- 
ments previous that they might encounter great 
danger: 

“ It must be that we have first come across 
the French portion of the army, and if there are 
none among them who speak English, we may 
be as badly off as though the redcoats were 
confronting us.” 

‘‘Surely the commanders can speak our lan- 
guage, and we must be taken before them in 
time,” Louis replied, and he who had been 
timorous was now the one to display the most 
courage. 

The owner of the voice had not yet shown 
himself, and with the purpose of coming to some 
understanding Louis advanced again. 

“ Halt !” rang out once more in a peremptory 
tone, and this time there was a commotion 
among the foliage, after which a gaudily- 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


26 


uniformed soldier, with his musket raised as if 
to fire, came into view. 

“We are American lads, and wish to be taken 
to some one who can speak English,” Louis said, 
as if believing this man must understand him. 

The soldier replied at considerable length in 
the French language, which was unintelligible 
to the boys, and while one might have counted 
ten the three stood gazing at each other inquir- 
ingly, when the soldier, motioning in the direc- 
tion toward which the boys wished to proceed, 
but at the same time keeping his musket ready 
for instant use, succeeded in making them un- 
derstand that they were to march in advance. 

“He is going to take us to headquarters,” 
Guy said, now feeling more at ease, “ and once 
there all will be well.” 

“ Yes, so that we find some one with whom we 
can speak,” Louis replied doubtfully, as he 
obeyed the pantomimic command; “but if it so 
be fortune does not favor us, we may arrive at 


^6 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

General Lafayette’s quarters so late that the in- 
formation we bring will be of little value.” 

“ Even though these men cannot speak Eng- 
lish, they must surely understand that we are 
not Britishers, but boys who live near-by, and it 
would seem the only natural thing that we 
should be taken at once to those who can find 
out who we are.” 

The conversation was checked at this point 
by their sudden coming upon a squad of men 
in uniform like unto that worn by their captor, 
and then ensued what, to the boys, appeared to 
be a mere jangle of sounds rather than an intel- 
ligible conversation, after which they were 
ordered by gestures to move forward once more. 

In this manner, and halted every few mo- 
ments as they were met by some petty officer, 
for the party were now well within the French 
lines, the lads finally came in the vicinity of a 
cluster of tents which they rightly supposed to 
be the quarters of some officer of rank because 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


27 


of the sentinels here and there, as well as the 
number of officers lounging around. 

Then the prisoners heard the one who con- 
ducted them speak the name of the Marquis de 
Saint-Simon, and they were reassured. 

At last all is well,” Guy said in a tone of 
satisfaction, ^^for you remember our fathers 
spoke of the marquis having joined the Ameri- 
can forces with three thousand men, and surely 
he must be able to speak English.” 

In this the boys were not mistaken. 

After some delay they were conducted to the 
principal tent, where, seated at a table on which 
were spread maps and papers, was a kindly- 
faced gentleman wearing a cocked hat, clad in a 
uniform resplendent with gold lace, and who 
asked in broken English, as they saluted him 
after their best military fashion : 

“ Why did you children attempt to enter our 
lines ?” 

Guy’s face flushed at thus being called a 


28 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

child, but he contrived to reply with some de- 
gree of courtesy : 

We are charged with an important message 
which must be delivered without delay to the 
father of my cousin, who is Major Poindexter 
of General Lafayette’s staff.” 

^^From whence comes this message?” the 
marquis asked not unkindly, and with evident 
appreciation of the situation. 

“One who claimed to have been sent into 
Yorktown by General Lafayette, as a spy, came 
upon us a few hours since, urging that we bring 
here the word which he could not deliver in 
person.” 

“ Is this Major Poindexter’s son ?” the mar- 
quis asked as he turned toward Louis, and the 
latter replied with a bow. “ Then whom may 
you be ?” he asked of Guy. 

The desired information was given, and after 
speaking in French to one of his officers, the 
marquis said courteously: 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


29 


“ Do not suppose, because of the precautions 
we take, that the word of either is questioned ; 
but this is a military camp, and certain precau- 
tions mitst be observed. It is necessary I send 
you under guard to the quarters of the Marquis 
de Lafayette.” 

^^It makes little difference, sir, how we are 
conducted, so there be no delay,” Guy replied, 
and the general dismissed them with a bow 
that won both their hearts, after having given 
some order in his native tongue to the officer 
standing nearby. 

Now indeed was their task the same as ac- 
complished, for the boys were sent forward at a 
smart pace^ conducted by an officer and two 
privates, until, as nearly as could be judged, 
they had marched nearly three miles across a 
broken country, when the journey was come to 
an end. Then they saw what, although unused 
to military life, they understood was the quar- 
ters of a commanding officer. 


30 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

At some distance from a collection of tents 
they were halted and forced to remain under 
surveillance of the soldiers while the officer 
sought out Major Poindexter, and then Louis 
saw his father approaching, with a look of min- 
gled surprise and perplexity on his face. 

^‘Why have you ventured to enter the lines?” 
the major asked sternly, but at the same time 
clasping his son warmly in his arms. 

In as few words as might be the boys repeated 
to the major all the details of their interview 
with the spy, and when this had been done they 
knew beyond a question that the service they 
rendered was a signal one. 

You may come to my quarters,” the major 
said, after giving a command in French to the 
soldiers, which had the effect of causing them 
to wheel about and retrace their steps. “ It is 
well that I repeat to the marquis the words you 
have brought before you are sent home, for per- 
chance he may wish to question you.” 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


31 


It was a welcome retreat, this canvas tent to 
which Major Poindexter conducted them, for 
both the lads were weary with the exertion of 
rowing and so much walking, and Guy said, as 
he flung himself down upon a blanket : 

“We will hope that it is not possible for your 
father to see General Lafayette in time to send 
us back to-night. I would like above all things 
to sleep in a military encampment, and besides 
I am not eager to take another tramp for some 
hours yet.” 

Louis was quite as well content as his cousin 
to indulge in a rest, and the two laid on the 
ground under the shade of the canvas watching the 
novel sights around them until both fell asleep. 

When they were awakened the night had 
nearly come, and standing over them was a sol- 
dier in Continental uniform, who said curtly: 

“You are to follow me.” 

“To what end^” Guy asked, not yet fully 
awake. 


32 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

When you two lads have become of sufficient 
age to enlist, as doubtless you will, for the sons 
of your fathers could not remain out of service 
while the colonies are under the rule of the 
king, you will understand that soldiers obey, 
but never ask questions. My orders were to 
conduct you to General Lafayette’s tent, and 
more than that I know not.” 

Guy was ashamed that he, who prided him- 
self upon being almost fit for a soldier, should 
have been guilty of asking such a question, and 
in silence he rose to his feet as a token that he 
was ready to obey the command. 

Then around and about what seemed a per- 
fect maze of canvas tents the lads were con 
ducted until they had come to one standing in 
the center of the others and of considerable size, 
before which were pacing two sentinels. 

“By the general’s orders,” the soldier said as 
he motioned the boys to advance, and the sen- 
tries stepped back to give thenf entrance. 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


33 


The messengers found themselves in the pres- 
ence of half a dozen officers, clad in the Conti- 
nental or the French uniform, and seated at the 
table, as if he commanded them, was a young 
man who appeared hardly more than a boy. 

From all he had heard Guy knew this to be 
the young French Marquis, General Washing- 
ton’s personal friend, Lafayette, and both he and 
his cousin made their most ceremonious bow, at 
the same time that they endeavored to give a 
true military salute. 

You have had speech with one who was sent 
by me into Yorktown ?” the young general said, 
speaking English with a decided accent. 

The boys bowed. 

Will you describe the man to me that I may 
be certain there is no mistake ?” 

Guy hesitated looked at his cousin, and see- 
ing that Louis was not disposed to act the paii; 
of spokesman, replied : 

He was not a young man, nor an old one ; 


34 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

his hair was nearly red, his nose long, and his 
body very thin, as it seemed to me ; the uniform 
he wore hung loosely about him.” 

Eepeat to me all that he said.” 

This Guy did to the best of his ability, and 
when he was finished the marquis said as he 
turned to his officers who stood nearby, among 
whom was Louis’ father : 

“There can be no mistake, gentlemen, but 
that these youths have had speech with our spy, 
and we may rely upon the information. Now I 
' would have you decide if, in view of the danger 
to be incurred, I am warranted in asking yet 
further service of these boys ?” 

“ They will be in less peril providing the plan 
you have proposed, sir, be carried out, and more 
likely to succeed than any whom we could send,” 
one of the officers replied, and immediately the 
marquis turned toward Major Poindexter. 

“ You are the most deeply concerned in this 
matter, sir, and I would have your opinion,” 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


35 


I will answer for my son that he will do, 
so far as may be, whatever is required of him, 
and perform the work faithfully to the best of 
his ability. Therefore, General Lafayette, it is 
for you to command him as you would his 
father. I may also say the same, in Colonel 
Peyton’s name, concerning his son,” 

Guy and Louis looked at each other inquir- 
ingly, and in no slight alarm, for from this con- 
versation they were beginning to understand 
that there yet might be quite as much of danger 
in this enterprise as could be desired — and 
perhaps even more than they would find to be 
agreeable. 

The young general remained as if in deep 
thought while one might have counted twenty, 
and then turning to the lads, said with a kindly 
smile which seemed a token that he was their 
friend : 

Are you minded, my boys, to make such a 
venture as will win for you the approbation and 


36 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

the thanks of the great General Washington 
himself 

“ Indeed we are, sir !” Louis replied after one 
quick glance at his father, during which he 
read in the latter’s face the desired permission, 
and Guy added : 

‘^We stand ready to do all that is in our 
power, sir.” ^ 

It is well spoken, lads, and yet I would 
have you understand that the mission with 
which we would entrust you is one not lightly 
to be taken up, since it requires neither more 
nor less than that you enter the enemy’s lines in 
a somewhat similar service to that now being 
performed by the brave Jersey man, Morgan.” 

The marquis waited as if expecting the boys 
would reply, but they, almost bewildered by 
the idea of such a daring venture, remained 
silent. 

“We would have you enter Yorktown in the 
hope that you may meet the spy, and having 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


37 


done so, learn from him what may be tbe mean- 
ing of the unusual activity in front of the tcAvn 
during the past twenty ‘four hours. Our scouts 
bring in reports that boats are being massed 
there, and Morgan must contrive to get infor- 
mation concerning the matter. That having 
been done, you are to return here by the short- 
est road — do not understand me as meaning 
that you shall venture to make your way 
directly out of the town into these lines, but if 
it chance that you may do so, continue on 
around the point up Wormley’s Creek, where 
you will find yourselves near-by General 
Lincoln’s headquarters.” 

Shall we set out now, sir ?” Louis asked, 
and the general replied with a smile : 

There is hardly need of so much haste, and, 
besides, as yet you know not the plan we have 
made, by which it is hoped you can gain the 
town without difficulty. At or about midnight, 
with some of the men as guides, you will return 


aa MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

to the river bank, and there, with the assistance 
of those who accompany you, catch as many 
fish as may conveniently be taken until, say two 
hours after sunrise. Then our men will return, 
and you, after having pulled two-thirds of the 
distance to the opposite bank that it may be 
seen you come from that shore, will row directly 
down to the British fleet. You will most cer- 
tainly be hailed, and then has come the time 
when you are to play the part of fishermen, 
asking a price which shall be reasonably high 
for such wares. Do you understand me 
thoroughly well thus far 

The boys replied with a bow. Neither dared 
trust himself to speak lest his voice should 
tremble because of the excitement which had 
come upon him, and thus cause it to seem as 
if he was afraid. 

If it so be the men of the fleet buy all your 
fish, then is the adventure retarded, for you 
must catch yet more in order to have a pretext 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


39 


for entering the town. I am supposing, how- 
ever, that the sailors spend much of their time 
with hooks and lines, and that you make no 
sales among the vessels. Then it is you must 
crave permission to go on shore, and I doubt 
not it will be granted. Once there all depends 
upon yourselves, for no man can map out a 
course when it is impossible to say what circum- 
stances may arise. The object of the visit is to 
ask the question I have repeated to you, of 
Morgan the spy, receive his answer, or wait 
until he can procure the information, and then 
return here. There is no need I should tell 
you how much of danger attends the undertak- 
ing. You are not ordered to go, but requested 
so to do, and no man can say aught against 
your courage if, after reflection, it is decided 
between you two that the task cannot be per- 
formed.” 

Louis observed that his father was leaning 
forward eagerly, as if afraid his son might shrink 


40 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

from the perils, and he made haste to say in a 
tone which caused the major’s face to lighten 
with pride : 

“ It is not possible for us to say that we can 
do all you desire, sir; but we are ready to make 
the attempt, and go so far in it as the Britishers 
may allow.” 

It is bravely spoken, young sir, and I doubt 
not but that you will succeed. In either case, 
however, you have my heartiest thanks, and so 
far as I may be of influence, the way to enter 
the army shall be open, even though your age 
is against it.” 

Then the general extended his hands with the 
air of a friend, and having clasped them, the two 
boys, in obedience to a gesture from Major 
Poindexter, left the tent, halting a short dis- 
tance away in the belief that Louis’ father would 
join them as soon as opportunity permitted him 
to do so. 

In this they were not mistaken; it was as if 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


41 


they had but just come out when he stood in 
front of them saying proudly : 

I am pleased with you two this day, and 
would that Colonel Peyton had been present to 
see how well his son bore himself. Mayhap he 
and I made a grievous mistake when we decided 
you were too young for a military life ; but if 
so no harm has been done, for once this work is 
accomplished satisfactorily you may take your 
choice as to that branch of the service you will 
enter.” 

“ Does that mean we can enlist, even though 
only fourteen years old ?” 

“ If you succeed in this mission, it means that 
I shall consider you fit to stand in the ranks no 
matter what may be your years. Now, lads, re- 
turn to my quarters while I seek out Colonel 
Peyton, for he will desire to have speech with 
Guy before his adventure is begun.” 

It is safe to say that in all the allied army 
which had invested Yorktown there were no two 


42 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

more proud and happy than these lads as they 
threaded their way through the tents, knowing 
that the men looked upon them as being of suf- 
ficient importance to be called upon for a service 
by the young French marquis, who had proven 
himself in every way to be a brave man. 

When they were alone in Major Poindexter’s 
tent, however, the boys began to realize more 
fully the nature of this venture which was re- 
quired of them, and the danger that might at- 
tend it. If they should gain speech with Mor- 
gan, and before leaving the town it was discov- 
ered by the British that he was a spy, they 
would share his fate, and that, both well knew, 
was a brief military trial ended by a halter. 

' Even before such danger would be encoun- 
tered, there was considerably more than a pos- 
sibility that they might be made prisoners by 
those of the fleet, and if the shadow of the scaf- 
fold was not upon them, a long term of impris- 
onment might be their portion. 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


43 


Then again, it was certain they could not do 
this work and return to the American lines, 
even though nothing should detain them, until 
after at least three days had elapsed, and during 
such time their mothers would be frantic with 
apprehension concerning them. 

In fact, there was so much of an unpleasant 
nature connected with this work that was to 
win for them the approval of even General 
Washington himself, that anxiety took the place 
of pride, and timorousness began to overshadow 
courage. 

They were very nearly despondent when 
Colonel Peyton entered the tent; but his words 
of praise soon restored them to a fair degree of 
content. 

He shook hands with both as if they were 
old comrades, and the boys little dreamed how 
difficult it was for him to say in a cheery tone: 

“ I am proud that a son and a nephew of mine 
have been thought worthy to undertake such a 


44 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

work. You have begun right bravely, lads, in 
the service of your country, and I am confident 
you will render a grand account of yourselves. 
How did you leave your mothers?” 

‘^They were well, sir; but overwhelmed with 
anxiety lest the journey across the river and into 
the American lines might be attended with 
great dangers,” Guy replied, choking back a sob 
as he thought of his mother’s sorrow because his 
return was delayed. 

They will spend many sad hours before you 
see them again ; but that is one of the fortunes 
of war and cannot be avoided. If it so be I 
may send word to them, it shall be done ; but 
the siege is being pressed forward with vigor, 
and even one man may not be allowed to leave 
the trenches. You have before you a morrow 
of exceeding great labor, therefore all possible 
rest should be gained, for the weary man soon 
loses heart. A good soldier first learns to take 
care of his body, and that you must do at once 


THE AMERICAN LINES. 


45 


by composing yourself for sleep. May God 
have you in His holy keeping, and so incline 
your steps that you may soon see your mother 
again.” 

Perhaps the colonel did not dare trust him- 
self to speak further ; he kissed both lads affec- 
tionately, and then, in an unusually stern tone, 
bade them good night as he walked quickly out 
of the tent. 

I shall see you again before you leave, boys, 
and in the meantime it is your duty to sleep 
well. Put from your minds all thoughts of the 
morrow until the work be begun, for to look 
ahead in search of danger is not the best way 
to invite courage.” 

Then he also left the tent, and the boys were 
alone to sleep or to anticipate the coming day’s 
work, whichever might be the easier of per- 
formance. 


46 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


CHAPTER III. 

THE BRITISH FLEET. 

There was so much of excitement and 
anxiety in the minds of these two boys who 
had thus suddenly exchanged a peaceful home 
for the turmoil of a military camp, that it was 
not possible for them to follow the advice given 
and immediately close their eyes in slumber. 

Even had it not been for thoughts of what 
they were to attempt on the morrow, the nov- 
elty of their surroundings, the bed upon the 
ground, the canvas tent, the tramp of the senti- 
nels, and the regular cries from one post to the 
other proclaiming that all was well, was sufficient 
in itself to banish sleep from their eyelids. But 
when to this was added the thoughts of the 
mission with which they were charged, and the 


THE BRITISH FLEET. 


47 


possibility — one might almost say probability — 
that before another night had come they would 
be prisoners to the British force, charged with 
playing the part of spies, it was as if they would 
never more lose themselves in the unconscious- 
ness of repose. 

It is a fact, however, that they did finally fall 
asleep, and for a certain time their slumber was 
as peaceful as if both had been at home under 
the watchful care of their mothers. 

Then came the awakening, when for a moment 
they were puzzled to understand where they 
were, and finally, realizing all that had occurred 
during the past eighteen hours, they rose to their 
feet, surprised at learning that it was yet 
night. 

Both Colonel Peyton and Major Poindexter 
were in the tent, and the former said, as Guy 
looked about him in bewilderment: 

^^It is necessary you set out thus early in 
order to be at the work of fishing before day 


48 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

breaks. There is nearly three miles of distance 
between here and the river.” 

The boys had lain down fully attired, and 
once they became sensible of their surroundings 
were ready for the work of the day. There was 
no lingering to make a toilet ; no preparations 
for this dangerous adventure, save that they ate 
as huriiedly as might be the corn-cake and 
boiled ham Major Poindexter had provided. 

They were to carry no weapons, for it would 
be worse than folly to attempt a defense if they 
were attacked, and arms in their possession 
would excite suspicion. 

Whatsoever might come, whether for weal or 
for woe, they must meet it passively, and dur- 
ing such time as they would be within the 
enemy’s lines, could not afford to take the 
chances of using force unless, peradventure, that 
desperate moment had come when death stood 
so near at hand that the danger could not be 
increased. 


THE BRITISH FLEET. 


49 


Neither of the officers thought it well to give 
the boys any advice regarding the mission. 

They had been told in a general way what 
was expected of them, and no one might say 
how the journey would progress, therefore it 
was well they went upon their own plans, or 
even at haphazard, trusting to this chance or 
that, as might come, to aid them in the perilous 
undertaking. 

There remains only this much for us to ad- 
vise,” Colonel Peyton said, as he clasped both 
the boys by the hands: “Be prudent, remem- 
bering at all times that caution is your best ally, 
and do not run needlessly into danger in order 
to economize time, save it might be that that 
which Morgan the spy learns in answer to your 
question should be of such nature as to demand 
its being brought without delay into these lines. 
You are now doing soldiers’ duty, and have 
ceased to be boys so far as actions go. Consider 
well before you ventui^e upon any course, and 


50 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

once having decided on it, push straight forward 
without allowing yourselves to be led from the 
direct path, save it absolutely necessary.” 

Neither the major nor the colonel dared in- 
dulge in leave-taking lest it should weaken the 
courage of the boys, and when the latter had 
finished giving his brief advice, he summoned 
the two soldiers who were to accompany the 
messengers to the river bank, saying as they 
entered : 

“ You will make all haste to gain the water, 
and once there delay not in setting about the 
work of fishing. It is necessary these boys have 
as large a load as may be possible wuthin an 
hour after sunrise. Now be off, and God bless 
you !” 

Guy and Louis both turned to clasp their 
fathers’ hands once more; but the two officers 
were walking rapidly away as if bent on busi- 
ness of such importance that they could not 
linger for a farewell word with their sons. 


THE BRITISH FLEET. 


51 


While neither had any thought of turning 
back, nor would have done so had it been pos- 
sible, there was a decidedly large lump in the 
throat of each as they set out in the darkness 
immediately behind the two guides, beginning 
that journey which might lead them even to 
the scaffold. 

If they were timorous then, it is not surpris- 
ing, for even hardened soldiers might well have 
been excused for having an uncomfortable flut- 
tering at the heart when beginning such work 
as had been put upon these lads. 

It is to their credit, however, that neither 
gave token of what was in his heart, and that 
outwardly both were as brave as if this playing 
the part of a spy was something to which they 
had ever been accustomed. 

The two soldiers, bent on obeying to the let- 
ter the orders given, did not allow the boys to 
linger during this march, but set forward at a 
sharp pace, taking good heed that those whom 


52 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

they were expected to guide followed closely in 
the rear. 

Even though the pace was rapid, the boys 
could not be very severely fatigued, because 
of the many halts which it was necessary to 
make. 

They were passing along the outskirts of the 
encampment, and it was necessary to make 
known to the guards of each division their right 
to be abroad at such hour. Therefore it was 
after leaving General Lafayette’s headquarters 
they came first to the troops commanded by 
Baron Viomenil, where they showed the 
authority which permitted them to continue on. 

Then they were halted near-by the head- 
quarters of the Viscount Viomenil ; after that 
at General Saint-Simon’s quarters, and from 
thence the way lay open to them. 

It was perhaps half an hour before sunrise 
when, having launched their skiff, the party set 
about the task of catching fish, the soldiers hav- 


THE BRITISH FLEET. 


53 


ing brought with them a supply of hooks, lines, 
and bait. 

The day had already dawned ; the sky was 
cloudless, and if any auguries could be gathered 
from the heavens, they were likely to accom- 
plish their mission without mishap. 

During two hours the four fished industriously, 
and with reasonable success. At the end of 
that time they had a cargo so large that even 
though the sailors of the fieet should buy gen- 
erously, there would still be enough left on hand 
to serve as a pretext for wishing to go ashore. 

During the march from the camp, and while 
they had been engaged in fishing, the soldiers 
asked no questions, nor did the boys volunteer 
any information; but when it was time for tlje 
latter to set out on the last stage of the danger- 
ous expedition, and the men were about return- 
ing to the camp, one of them said as the skiff 
was pulled toward the shore : 

^‘We haven’t asked where you were going, 


54 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

lads ; but can make a pretty fair guess at it, and 
if good wishes are likely to be of any benefit, 
you should pull through all right because of 
ours. I reckon you have already been burdened 
with as much advice as it is possible to remem- 
ber ; but at the same time I’m going to give 
you a bit on my own account : If you are cor- 
nered and charged with having come into the 
town from our army, keep up a bold front. Ee- 
member that you must hold to your first state- 
ments, and however frightened you may feel, 
don’t let it be seen in your faces. That is half 
the battle in such work as you are about to 
undertake.” 

We are thanking you for the advice,” Louis 
said with a nervous laugh ; but at the same time 
hoping we shan’t be considered of sufficient im- 
portance to occupy the attention of the Britishers.’’ 

“I hope you won’t, so good luck to you, lads, 
an’ remember that timorousness in the face of 
the enemy is well-nigh a crime.” 


THE BRITISH FLEET. 


55 


Then the soldiers leaped ashore and the boys 
backed their skiff off from the bank until she 
could be turned, after which they pulled with 
vigorous strokes toward the opposite shore, 
neither caring to speak just at the moment be- 
cause of the uncomfortable, if not absolutely 
disagreeable, thoughts in his mind. 

Not until they were nearly across the river, 
and so near the bank that it was almost pos- 
sible to see Peyton Hall, was the silence broken, 
and then Guy said, much as though it were an 
effort to speak : 

“I reckon it is time we headed for the British 
fleet.” 

Whenever you will,” his comrade replied. 
Since we must go, the sooner we are there the 
better, so far as I am concerned, for even immi- 
nent danger is far more preferable to anxiety 
and suspense.” 

Then here goes, and we’ll see how nearly 
we can follow the soldier’s advice; although 


56 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


just at this minute I am far from feeling 
remarkably brave.” 

^^The wisest plan is to keep our thoughts 
from what may happen and not attempt to look 
into the future,” Louis replied stoutly, and then 
the boat was headed toward the fleet, which, 
from this distance, could not be seen. 

During the next hour they rowed steadily, 
and thanks to the aid of the current, at the end 
of such time found themselves within hail of 
the frigate Guadaloupe, seemingly in the very 
midst of war vessels and transports. 

“Do you act as spokesman, Guy, and I will 
hold my tongue, unless it becomes absolutely 
necessary to wag it,” Louis said, in a voice which 
was far from being steady, and at that instant 
came a hail from the man-of-war. 

“ Boat ahoy !” 

“Ahoy on the frigate !” 

“Pull alongside and give an account of your- 
selves.” 


THE BRITISH FLEET. 


67 


“ Do you want to buy any fish ?” 

Pull alongside !” 

We have got a good lot that were caught 
since daylight this morning, and will sell 
them cheap,” Guy said, as the little skiff was 
headed directly for the frigate. 

Cease rowing! Stay where you are, and 
answer' my questions truthfully, or you may 
find yourselves in trouble !” a redcoated officer 
on the quarter-deck cried sternly. 

“But surely we cannot get into trouble by 
coming here to sell fish, since it has been made 
known that you are ready to trade with us 
people living hereabouts.” 

“ Where is your home ?” 

“ On the York Eiver, an hour’s pull from 
here.” 

“ When did you leave there ?” 

“We began fishing just at daybreak, and 
must have been nigh on to an hour coming 
down.” 


58 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

Did you go through the American camp 

‘‘No, sir.” 

“Why did you not take your fish there to 
sell r 

“ Because we have heard that the Continen- 
tals were camped too far in from the river, and 
then again, it has been said that they fail to 
pay as good a price as do the king’s troops.” 

“Ay, and you Yankees are ever on the alert 
for a shilling. However strong may be your 
patriotism, you hesitate not whether the money 
comes from the king or the rebel followers.” 

“We must live, sir,” Guy replied stolidly. 

“Yes, while your elders are fighting against 
the king, children are sent out to lay hold of so 
much of his gold as may come in their way.” 

“ So far to-day, we have seen none of it, and 
are hardly like to unless you are wanting some 
fish, sir.” 

“ I’ll venture to say you sell none among the 
fleet, for our men catch as many as can be 


THE BRITISH PLEET. 59 

eaten. Why didn’t you bring meat, or 
chickens ?” 

Because we had none, sir. There are yet 
fish to be caught ; but the chickens have been 
carried away by the king’s men. If it please 
you, sir, will there be any objection to our 
landing in the town 

“ If you go there simply to sell fish, and can 
satisfy such of the guard as take you in hand, I 
know of no reason why you should not make 
the attempt; but my permission amounts to 
nothing.” 

There can be no harm in the trying,” Guy 
said, as if appealing to his companion, and Louis 
replied : 

Perhaps we may save a longer pull by sell- 
ing what we have among the fleet.” 

The oflSicer on the Guadaloupe had ceased to 
pay any further attention to the boys, and they 
fearful lest it might be that their great desire to 
land was apparent in their faces, spent no less 


GO MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

than half an hour more rowing from one vessel 
to the other, but without being able to dispose 
of the cargo. 

During this time they did not dare speak one 
to the other, save on such matters as concerned 
their alleged business, and were yet within ear- 
shot of a transport lying nearest the town, 
when Guy said : 

“There is no help for it. We must go 
ashore, and it looks much as if our time had 
been wasted, both in fishing and coming 
here.” 

“ Bring meat and poultry and we will trade 
with you,” one of the sailors cried. 

“ That we are willing to do if we can get 
hold of any ; but both fowls and creatures are 
scarce hereabouts since the troops came.” 

The men on the vessels set up a shout at this 
remark, as if they saw in it something extremely 
comical, and when the boys had pulled so far 
away that there was no longer any danger their 


THE BRITISH FLEET. 


61 


conversation could be overheard, Guy said in a 
tone of triumph : 

Thus far every thing seems to be working 
our way, and if we be no more closely pressed 
ashore than among the fleet, we are like to 
finish the work without much danger.” 

“But there is little chance we shall get off so 
easily from those on the land, and I am trembling 
lest we are asked our names, for there may be 
some among the enemy who know of your 
father or mine.” 

“We will claim to be brothers, for surely 
there can be no harm, while engaged in such a 
cause, to tell that which is not strictly true, and 
if we say that our mother lives alone, it will not 
be absolutely false.” 

“Now, it would be better if we had less 
weight of fish.” 

“Why so ?” 

“Because we cannot carry such a burden 
through the streets.” 


62 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

One can stay by the boat while the other 
goes ashore, for it will never do to be seemingly 
careless of our goods. We must insist on get. 
ting the highest possible price even though 
much time be spent in bantering.” 

Who is to remain at the shore ?” 

You, if you will. I am satisfied to take 
my chances in the town, and after making one 
trip around the camps will come back and give 
you an opportunity. Or, if I should see the 
spy, can send him to the shore to talk with you 
rather than run the risk of speaking to him 
while we are where we might be overheard.” 

Louis made no protest at this division of the 
labor and the danger, and the boys spoke not 
again until the skiff’s bow grated on the sand, 
when they were confronted by one of the men 
who was patroling the beach. 

Have you a permit to land here ?” he asked, 
presenting his bayonet at Guy’s chest as the 
latter was about to step ashore. 


THE BRITISH FLEET. 


63 


‘^AVe didn’t know any was needed, sir. One 
of the officers on the frigate told us there would 
be no question but that we could land for the 
purpose of selling fish.” 

‘‘You must have a permit. My orders are 
to prevent any strangers from coming ashore.” 

“How may that be gotten, sir?” Guy asked 
respectfully, and at the same time wearing a 
look of perplexity which was not assumed. 

“ I cannot say as to that; I have other things 
to look after than helping rebel fishermen out 
of trouble.” 

“ But it has been said, and I have even heard 
that General Cornwallis himself gave such per- 
mission, that the people living hereabouts 
might come into the camp to sell provisions.” 

“ Those who want to do so have been obliged 
to get a permit,” the man said, still holding Guy 
in check. “You must show one, or push off.” 

This was an unexpected interference with 
their plans. The boys had anticipated much 


64 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


questioning on the part of the officers after they 
were once ashore; but that they should be 
prevented from landing was something that had 
never occurred to them, and both Guy and 
Louis were sadly perplexed as to how the 
difficulty might be overcome. 

The soldier was obeying orders after his own 
pig-headed fashion, and there was no hope, 
judging from his manner, that they might be 
able to gain the desired permission from him, 
because the argument in shape of a glistening 
bayonet was the only one he would advance. 

That they might have time to devise some 
plan for getting word to those in command, 
Guy pushed off in obedience to the demand, 
and the two were about pulling away from the 
shore when they were hailed by three or four 
soldiers who were evidently on a leave of 
absence. 

“ What have you boys got in that boat one 
of them cried. 


THE BRITISH FLEET. 


65 


Fish, caught this morning.” 

Why don’t you come ashore and sell them ?” 

“ Because my orders are to prevent strangers 
from landing, unless they show a permit,” the 
sentinel said sharply. 

But how can these lads get such a docu- 
ment if you keep them afloat ?” 

That is not my business,” the pig-headed 
soldier replied, and, perhaps, because of the 
fact that they were to be denied such an article 
of food, these men at once conceived a strong 
desire for fish. 

“ Hold on a minute, lads. If you will agree 
to give us so much of your wares as will serve 
for one meal, we will get the permit for you, or 
bring some one here who has authority to let 
you land.” 

^^That we will willingly do,” Guy cried, and 
after a brief consultation one of the party set 
out toward the town, leaving his companions to 
see to it that the obstinate sentinel did not 


66 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

exceed his duty by ordering them away from 
the shore. 

In less than five minutes the soldier had 
returned in company with one who wore the 
uniform of a captain. 

Perhaps this officer also had a desire for fish, 
for he at once ordered the sentinel to permit 
the boys to land, and when the two were on 
shore, while the squad of soldiers were selecting 
from the cargo such as they claimed to have 
earned, the captain made certain inquiries 
regarding the business of the alleged fishermen. 

“What are your names ?” he first asked. 

“ Guy and Louis Barton.” 

Then came the question as to the location of 
their homes, the purpose in visiting the town, 
and whether they had been in the habit of sell- 
ing fish to the American army. 

Fortunately there was no inquiry as to 
whether they had visited the American encamp- 
ment lately, and Guy could reply with all truth- 


THE BRITISH FLEET. 


67 


fulness that they had never attempted to do any 
trading with the Continental soldiers, alleging 
as a reason that it was said among the common 
people that money was far too scarce in the 
ranks of the patriots to make such intercourse 
profitable. 

Then you have no other business here than 
that of selling your fish ?” the officer asked, after 
having satisfied himself on the other points. 

No, sir, and if it can be done before sunset 
we shall return at once to our homes.” 

Then there is a chance that you may wish 
to remain here until morning?” 

“ Yes, sir, if it so be that we fail to sell our 
fish in due season.” 

Then the officer wrote a permit for Guy and 
Louis Barton to trade in Yorktown during no 
more than twenty-four hours, coupling it with 
the command that they report to him, or who- 
soever should be the officer of the day, before 
their departure. 


68 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

‘^This will answer your purpose, providing 
you do not show a disposition to be too inquisi- 
tive, in which case much harm may come. Keep 
away from the fortifications, where you will 
find no customers, and all will be well.” 

We care only to sell our fish, sir,” Guy re- 
plied as he thanked the officer for the favor, 
and then the captain left them to transact their 
business. 

The soldiers who had gained for them this 
indulgence marched away, each carrying a fish 
in his hand, and the sentinel continued again to 
pace to and fro on his beat as if in high dudgeon 
because the boys had succeeded in their purpose 
with but little trouble. 

Now I will take as many as I can carry, and 
you shall do your best to sell what is left,” Guy 
said, not daring to speak further lest his words 
be overheard by the soldier. 

“ How long do you count on being away ?” 

I shall stay until I have at least sold enough 


THE BRITISH FLEET. 


69 


to make this day’s work profitable,” Guy replied 
with a meaning glance, and Louis understood it 
to be as if he said it was his purpose to remain 
in the town until after having had speech with 
the Jersey spy. 

‘‘ You will come back as soon as may be,” he 
said nervously, for this being left alone on the 
shore in the midst of the enemy, who might 
with good reason accuse him of having come 
under false pretences, was not calculated to 
make him feel comfortable in mind. 

will stay no longer than may be neces- 
sary.” And with this, Guy, having strung as 
many fish as he could carry on a string, set out 
toward that portion of the town where there 
seemed to be the greatest number of idle sol- 
diers, while Louis, literally trembling with ap- 
prehension, watched eagerly until he had dis- 
appeared from view. 


70 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


CHAPTER IV. 

YOKKTOWN. 

Fully sensible of tbe dangers which menaced, 
Guy made his way from the shore up through 
the town, searching rather for Morgan, the Jer- 
seyman, than for purchasers of his wares. 

As a rule the redcoated soldiery paid little 
or no attention to him ; people from the country 
round about coming to dispose of their wares 
were, or had been before the town was regu- 
larly invested, so common as not to excite 
curiosity, and it was only those who desired to 
purchase food with which to vary the scanty 
army rations, who had an eye out for such 
visitors as Guy was supposed to be. 

Fortunately for his purpose, there was not a 


YORKTOWN. 


71 


keen demand for fish on this day, and he roamed 
from one- portion of the town to the other no 
less than two hours without having sold more 
than half of the stock lie had brought with him. 

During all this time he had seen nothing of 
the Jerseyman, and it seemed certain the spy 
must be on duty in the fortifications, otherwise 
he would have recognized this visitor, and at 
at once suspecting his purpose, shown himself. 

It was impossible Guy could serve the Ameri- 
can commander by observing the disposition and 
force of the enemy, because of his ignorance in 
military affairs. As for being able to say what 
was doing on certain of the fortifications in the 
way of strengthening them, or preparing to re- 
sist an attack from the parallels which were 
being advanced by the Americans, he was help- 
less, having not the slightest idea or knowledge 
concerning such works. 

All that he might be able to do, therefore, 
was to repeat to the spy the message with 


72 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

which he had been entrusted, and if it so 
chanced that he failed to find this man, then 
had he and Louis risked their lives without 
having gained anything except the approbation 
of those who had sent them on this perilous 
mission. 

He cried his wares until he was hoarse; 
trudged here or there wherever he saw a knot 
of redcoated soldiers, until he had become so 
weary it seemed impossible he could longer 
keep on his feet, and then, despairing of succeed- 
ing in his purpose, he sat down by the side of 
the road, still watching intently each one who 
passed, but giving no heed to any around 
him, save, as has been said, to make certain the 
man he sought was not in the vicinity. 

It was because of this eager searching with 
the eyes, this looking here and there at the 
soldiers instead of endeavoring to dispose of his 
wares, that he attracted the attention of the 
same captain who had given him the permit to 


YORKTOWN. 


n 

come on shore, and without Guy’s being aware 
of such fact, this officer followed him during the 
half hour before he found it absolutely neces- 
saiy to gain some rest. 

The captain was standing a short distance 
from Guy, still watching him intently, when a 
brother officer in the uniform of a lieutentant, 
came up and said banteringly as he halted : 

Well, Bolton, what especial business have 
you on hand here ? I thought all the excite- 
ment was to be found at the front, and yet you 
appear as eager as I ever saw you in Phila- 
delphia, where there was something at least in 
a measure worthy a man’s attention.” 

Be quiet. Gray, and don’t talk so loudly. I 
have been following yonder lad who, two hours 
or more ago, asked for a permit to sell fish 
through the town.” 

Well, he doesn’t seem to be meeting with 
much success just at present,” the lieutenant 
said with a laugh. 


H MORGAN, THE JER5;eV SPY. 

and I fancy it is immaterial to him 
whether trade is good, bad or indifferent.” 

“ A spy, eh ?” 

“ It hardly seems possible that the rebels 
would have sent a child like that who surely 
could have no knowledge of military move- 
ments, with the idea that he might gain infor- 
mation here; but certain it is that that boy has 
other matters on his mind besides the selling of 
his stock in trade.” 

“ Why do you think so ?” 

“ Note how eagerly he eyes every man who 
passes. It has been thus ever since I first 
observed him ; he goes hither or yon wherever 
the greatest number is congregated, and while 
crying his wares looks for other than possible 
customers.” 

‘^You are grown over-suspicious, Bolton, if 
you see in a youth like that one who can do 
any harm.” 

^'I am not saying he can do any harm; but^ 


YORKTOWN. 


75 


if you remember, Gray, we met in Philadelphia 
several of these so-called children who carried 
a vast fund of information out of the city, 
enabling the rebels to work us considerable 
harm now and then.” 

If it be in your mind that he is bent on a 
different errand than was stated when you 
gave the permit, why not have him put under 
arrest ? I warrant the whole story will be 
known after he has grown alarmed for his life, 
as he would so be under judicious threats of 
the gallows.” 

It would seem. Gray, as if you had been in 
these colonies long enough to understand that 
the people are nearly all of the same kidney, 
and that the child or the old man is equally 
ready to serve the so-called cause of freedom. 
You treat lightly anything of this kind, and yet, 
besieged as we are — and mind you I do not say 
this to be repeated — by a force which in every 
point outclasses us, we have good reason for 


76 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


wishing to know all that the enemy may be 
doing. It is in my mind to learn whom this 
lad seeks, and after that the arrest may be 
made ; but it would be a mistake to attempt to 
frighten him now.” 

Well, watch your child until the time has 
come when you consider it necessary to call out 
a file of soldiers to suppress him. It is no affair 
of mine,” and the lieutenant would have moved 
on but that his friend stopped him by saying : 

Take my place in parade to-night if I am 
not there, and explain to the colonel w^hy I am 
absent.” 

All shall be done as you wish, my dear cap- 
tain, and I hope you will have success in your 
present childish undertaking.” 

With a hearty laugh the lieutenant moved on, 
and the captain, not to be bantered from his 
purpose, took up his station yet further away 
lest Gruy might observe him ; but relaxed not 
one whit of his vigilance. 


YORKTOWN. 


77 


Now it was, that shortly after this conversa- 
tion between the two officers, Colonel Peyton’s 
son fancied he saw in the distance the man whom 
he was so eager to meet, and, starting up quickly, 
went toward the supposed Jerseyman with all 
speed. Captain Bolton following close athis heels. 

Arriving nearer Guy was positive he had 
made no mistake ; that the Jerseyman glanced 
toward him, a certain light in his eyes as if he 
would have spoken, and then immediately after- 
ward a look of fear came over his face as he 
turned, walking rapidly in the opposite direc- 
tion, mingling with a throng of redcoated sol- 
diers as if it was his desire to escape observa- 
tion. 

Puzzled because of such behavior, and saying 
to himself that the Jerseyman could not have 
recognized him else he would have stopped to 
speak, Guy pressed on, forgetting entirely that 
he had left his store of fish lying by the road- 
side as if it was of no value. 


78 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

In the meanwhile Louis perforce remained 
near the boat, making every effort to sell his 
wares, and allowing no person to pass without 
accosting him. 

He was not successful as a merchant, for when 
more than two hours had passed he had met 
with only six customers, and the purchases of 
these were so small that the cargo was not ap- 
parently diminished. 

As the time passed he became exceedingly 
anxious concerning his cousin. The town was 
a small one, and it certainly seemed as if Guy 
could have gone through the entire place in less 
than half the time already spent. 

With the fear constantly before him that his 
cousin might have come upon some unexpected 
danger, Louis grew more and more alarmed as 
the moments passed, until suddenly, as if he had 
been hiding behind a building near at hand, he 
saw the spy rapidly approaching him, and it was 
with difficulty he could repress a cry of delight. 


YORKTOWN. 


79 


It was as if Morgan had so timed his approach 
as to arrive at the boat w^hen the sentinels 
patroling the beach were farthest away, and 
while there were no loungers in the immediate 
vicinity of the young fish-dealer. 

Louis, heeding only the fact that the man 
whom they w^ere so eager to meet was before 
him, would have advanced quickly, but that a 
look in the Jerseyman’s eyes checked him, and 
to account for his sudden change of position he 
cried : 

Will you buy some fish to-day, sir 
At what price and of what kind are they, 
my boy ?” Morgan asked carelessly, coming 
nearer the boat as if to look at the cargo, and 
when the two were standing side by side he 
whispered : 

‘‘Your cousin has brought suspicion npon 
himself. One of the British captains is follow- 
ing him from point to point. Why did you ven- 
ture here 2” 


80 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

Following Guy?” Louis asked in pained 
surprise. 

“ This is no time for repeating words, lad !” 
Morgan said sharply. ^‘Have your wits about 
you, and do not make it necessary that I speak 
the same words twice, for time is too precious. 
Tell me why you came here ?” 

We were sent by General Lafayette with 
word to you that he would know why the 
British are massing boats at the Point. We were 
to get speech with you as soon as possible, and 
when information could be given us, return to 
the American lines.” 

“ I fear you may have to go back without the 
information, and perhaps without your comrade.” 

He is not arrested !” Louis cried, again 
speaking incautiously loud, and again being re- 
proved by the spy. 

^^Not as yet; but true it is that he is under 
surveillance which will hardly end until he has 
been sharply questioned. I saw him in the 


YORKTOWN. 


81 


town, and noted that he was followed by this 
captain, therefore was forced to run away lest 
he should hail me as a friend.” 

“ But what am I to do ?” and Louis’ tone was 
a tearful one. 

By deserting your comrade you can unques- 
tionably save yourself from possible arrest.” 

That I would not do, even though I might 
save myself from positive death.” 

The Jersey man glanced at him as if in ad- 
miration because of this loyal remark, and then 
half-turned as if to go. 

Since you do not feel at liberty to secure 
your own safety, there is nothing to be done 
save remain to share in wdiatsoever fortune may 
come to him, for I am quite certain his arrest 
will follow, although why this captain’s suspi- 
cions were aroused I cannot say. Now I will 
make it my business to get the information you 
desire ; but when we meet again do not recog- 
nize me unless I should speak first, and if the 


82 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

fates are so kind to us that you may see your 
comrade before he has been taken into custody, 
repeat the warning to him, for should the 
Britishers see that we three were acquainted, it 
would send us all to the gallows.” 

Having said this Morgan walked swiftly 
away, and some faint idea may be had of the 
horrible fears which now beset Louis. 

He dared not leave the shore lest his cousin 
might suddenly come and fail to find him; he 
would not seek safety by flight, because such a 
course would not only be cowardly, but disloyal 
to his cousin, therefore was he chained to that 
spot, unable to do anything toward warding off 
the danger which was so near at hand. 

He tried to decide in his own mind what he 
should do if Guy was arrested and he allowed 
to remain at liberty; but so great was the 
mental anguish that he could get no further 
than the thought of his cousin in custody on the 
charge of being a spy. 


YORKTOWN. 


83 


He was powerless whatever might come, and 
yet forced to continue the pretense of selling 
fish. 

A soldier passing by asked him the price of 
liis wares, and so great was his distress of mind 
that it was almost impossible he could make a 
seemly answer to the question. 

Another, observing the distress in his face 
and thinking it was caused by the lack of cus- 
tomers, would have cheered him by promising 
that on his next visit he would do a better busi- 
ness, for just prior to that time fishermen had 
been plentiful in the camp, but Louis looked at 
him hardly understanding the words. 

Another hour passed ; the aftei’uoon was more 
than half-spent, and Louis knew beyond a per- 
adventure that some disaster had befallen Guy, 
else he would have returned ere this to report 
failure or success. 

It seemed positive that the same misfortune 
which had visited his cousin must come upon 


84 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

him also, because it was known the two were 
there in company, and if one was charged with a 
crime or misdemeanor, so also must be the other. 

Therefore he awaited the moment when the 
soldiers should come to arrest him, and his 
heart almost ceased beating as he realized what 
must be his fate if he was taken as a spy. 

Now he remembered every word his mother 
spoke before he left Peyton Hall, and again he 
heard his father’s voice as while he was within 
the American lines. 

Then suddenly he started in alarm, as if he 
would flee, when a heavy hand was laid upon 
his shoulder, and, looking up, he saw once more 
the Jersey spy. 

Your comrade is under guard, and will be 
taken before General Cornwallis as soon as it 
may be that officer’s pleasure to see him. It 
now only remains that you return to the Ameri- 
can lines with the information that I have 
gained.” 


YORKTOWN. 


85 


Leaving Guy behind ?” 

^^Ay, it must be so, lad, since you cannot 
take him with you.” 

But I can at least stay to share his fate.” 

‘^To what end? Will it make his trouble 
any lighter because you are in the same danger? 
Or can you serve the cause better by remaining 
in a British prison — perhaps ascending a British 
scaffold ?” 

I can save myself much suffering in the 
future, for were I to leave Guy now, the shame 
would be so great that I should never forget it.” 

But I have the information the general de- 
sires, and it should be carried to him at once. 
You have no right to think of your own life 
or your own feelings at a time when our coun- 
try demands your best exertions.” 

You say Guy is under guard ?” Louis asked 
as if a sudden thought had taken possesion of him. 

^Wes.” 

“Do you know where he is?” 


86 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

a certain building not far from here, 
which is used as a guardhouse and prison.” 

“ Is it not possible that you or I, or both of 
us, might help him ?” 

To escape, do you mean 

“ That, or whatever else we might do.” 

“ I do not know how much could be com- 
passed ; we are surrounded here by the British 
forces, and even though he were free this mo- 
ment it would be difficult for you to get out- 
side the lines without permission.” 

“ It were better he was shot down while try- 
ing to escape than be hanged.” 

“ It is by no means certain they can convict 
him of being a spy. So far as I know, all he 
has done has been to hunt for me, and it may 
be that some of the enemy — perhaps this cap- 
tain — has seen him giving more time to the 
search than to the selling of his fish. Yet that 
would not be sufficient to condemn him to 
death.” 


YORKTOWN. 


8? 


Then it is possible he may be released ?” 

Possible, but not probable, at least for 
some days.” 

“The message which you would send to 
General Lafayette may be carried to-morrow as 
well as to-night?” 

“ Yes, for it is said the boats are being 
massed in case the commanding general should 
decide it was wisest to move across to Glouces- 
ter ; but there is likely to be nothing done in 
the matter for forty-eight hours at the soonest 
— certainly not until the besiegers have gained 
more of an advantage than they at present hold. 
I am off duty until ” 

Morgan ceased speaking very suddenly, and 
taking up one of the fish from the boat said in 
a loud tone : 

“ It seems a goodly price to pay for such a 
fish, but here is your money.” 

Then handing to Louis a silver piece he 
walked swiftly away, leaving the boy gazing 


8S MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

after him in mute astonishment because the 
course of the conversation had been so abruptly 
changed, and with the change was come the 
departure of the only man in the camp whom 
he could look upon as a friend. 

A moment later, however, he understood 
why the Jerseyman had left him so uncere- 
moniously. 

A short distance away, coming directly to- 
ward the boat, was a squad of four men in 
charge of a corporal, and Louis realized at once 
that it was no longer possible for him to make 
his escape, even if he would be cowardly enough 
to do so while his comrade was in danger. 

The sudden departure of Morgan had enabled 
the boy to see those who would take him pris- 
oner sufficiently long in advance to give him 
an opportunity of regaining his self-possession, 
and when the corporal, after ordering his men 
to halt, having come directly in front of the 
boat, declared in a loud voice that the young 


YORKTOWN. 


89 


fisherman was his prisoner, Louis asked in- 
nocently : 

Is it a crime to sell fish here ? Surely you 
cannot arrest me, for my brother has in his 
pocket our permit to trade in this town.” 

Fall in ; I know nothing about your per- 
mits or your trading. You are under arrest, 
and it will not be wise for a lad like you to 
make any resistance.” 

I do not count on resisting, if it so be you 
aim to carry me away whether I have a permit 
or not ; but what is to be done with the fish ?” 

I have no care over them.” 

“ But I have. They will be stolen if I leave 
them here,” and to have heard Louis then, one 
would have said that his only anxiety was lest 
his wares should be taken from him without 
payment. 

had no orders regarding the fish,” the 
corporal said pompously, as if his rank was so 
high that he could not afford to banter words 


00 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

with a civilian. You will fall into line, if it is 
your desire to avoid rough treatment.” 

I will do whatever you say, sir ; but I do 
not want to leave my fish,” Louis replied, taking 
good care, however, to obey the command, and 
without further ado the corporal marched his 
men away, the prisoner in their midst. 

It came almost in the nature of a relief, this 
being put under arrest, for now Louis was no 
longer afraid lest his face should betray the ter- 
ror in his heart ; but he could give full sway to 
his grief and anxiety, for it would be taken, at 
least by those who held him in custody at that 
moment, as evidence that he was deeply con- 
cerned regarding his stock in trade. 

He had often heard his father tell of the 
arrest of a spy, and knew full well that every 
word he might speak would be used later in 
evidence against him, therefore he continued to 
bewail his great loss, crying out upon the in- 
justice of thus making him prisoner when he 


YORKTOWN. 


91 


and his brother had due authority to trade in 
the town. 

He fully believed that he would share the 
same prison with Griiy, and this gave him no 
little consolation, for once together they two 
might decide upon the story to be told. Morgan 
had said that if nothing could be discovered 
against them, more than what was probably 
known regarding Guy’s movements, they would 
escape conviction. 

He was marched into the center of the town, 
and in front of a building which had the appear- 
pearance of once having been used as a ware- 
house, the squad halted. 

The corporal, clutching him firmly by the 
coat-collar as if believing he was some danger- 
ous character who would attempt an escape de- 
spite the odds against him, marched the boy 
into a certain small room or office of this build- 
ing, and there he was confronted by a soldier 
who evidently acted as jailer, and another who 


92 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

might have been serving in the capacity of 
clerk. 

Here he was called upon to give his name, 
which he declared to be Louis Barton ; his age, 
place of residence, and such other minor details 
as would serve for a general description of his 
person. 

This done, and all his answers written down 
by the clerkly soldier, he was conducted to the 
interior of the building where were numerous 
small apartments not unlike stalls in a stable, 
and into one of these he was thrust. 

The wooden door w^as locked upon him with 
a jangling of keys that struck dismay to his 
already overburdened heart, and it seemed as if 
his cup of sorrow was overrun because, instead 
of having Guy as a companion, he was alone. 

As when one is near death the mind becomes 
most active, so it was now with Louis, for he 
understood full well that he and his cousin 
would be examined separately, and there 


YORKTOWN. 


93 


seemed to him no possibility they could tell the 
same story, inasmuch as some of it must be un- 
true, with nothing definite decided upon be- 
tween them. 

Once they were taken before a court-martial, 
or questioned by the officers, it would be 
learned that they had come under false pre- 
tences, and this done, they must speedily be 
adjudged spies. 


94 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


CHAPTER V. 

LOUIS POINDEXTER. 

It was fully an hour from the time he was 
thrust into the cell before Louis Poindexter be- 
came sufficiently master of himself to have care 
or heed as to his surroundings. 

His disappointment at learning that he was 
denied the poor satisfaction of sharing the same 
cell with Guy caused him most bitter sorrow, 
and it seemed for a time as if this was the most 
severe blow that had been dealt. 

Even the shadow of the scaffold which liter- 
ally hung over him was unheeded as he gave 
way to the desolateness of being thus alone. 

After a time, however, came the thought that 
in this small town there was likely to be but 


LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


95 


one guardhouse, or prison, whichever it could 
be called, therefore it was only reasonable to 
suppose that Guy was under the same roof with 
him, and so lonely was he just then that even 
this fact was in some slight degree comforting. 

In a short time Louis began to believe he was 
playing a cowardly part in thus giving away to 
useless repining, and his cheeks were reddened 
with shame because of his own weakness. 

If it was known in the American camp that 
I have thus behaved like a baby, father would 
be disgraced,” he said to himself, and with the 
thought of his father came courage. 

He would bear himself in a manner befitting 
the son of Major Poindexter, however heavy his 
heart, and as this resolution came to him he 
paced to and fro in the narrow, cell-like apart- 
ment, unsconsciously measuring the floor space 
as he counted each step. 

Four paces long and two broad, the cell 
measured, and in it was no article of furniture 


96 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

whatsoever. The bare floor and walls, with one 
small, heavily-barred window, was all that met 
his gaze. 

Even in his wretchedness he realized that he 
was more favored than those who had been 
given quarters nearer the center of the build- 
ing, for they must be deprived even of light, 
and while clutching at the bars he might raise 
himself sufl&ciently high to gain a view of the 
surrounding houses. 

He made an attempt to look out ; but the ex- 
ertion of holding himself in a position necessary 
to bring his head level with the window was 
too great, and he abandoned the effort after 
getting a glimpse of a shed-like roof near at 
hand. 

Then came the thought that he might ascer- 
tain the whereabouts of his cousin by shouting, 
and if Guy was in the building he would be 
certain to reply. 

He was on the point of raising his voice when 


LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


97 


there came the fear that by so doing he might 
subject himself to rough treatment, and he re- 
mained silent. 

He had not partaken of food since early 
morning, and now both hunger and thirst as- 
sailed him. 

He walked back and forth in the circum- 
scribed space with the idea that such exercise 
might occupy his mind ; but the frequent turn- 
ings which were necessary in the small apart- 
ment caused him to grow dizzy, and he finally 
threw himself on the floor at one end of the 
cell, striving in vain to concentrate his thoughts 
on any subject other than his own condition. 

How long he had been there when the door 
opened he had no means of deciding, for every 
second seemed like a minute, and an hour was 
as a day. 

By thinking much of his hunger he increased 
the pangs, and when a rattle of keys in the 
lock was heard he sprang to his feet like one 


98 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

famished, thinking only that his jailer had 
come to bring him food. 

A soldier opened the door; in the dimly- 
lighted, alley-like hall he saw four redcoated 
men carrying muskets, and half-crazed as he 
was by his short term of solitary confinement, 
he believed for the moment that they had come 
to lead him out to execution. 

By a prodigious effort he forced himself to 
appear calm, and there was no evidence of 
weakness when the man who had opened the 
door said gruffly : 

“Come out here, you young rebel, and we’ll 
soon know whether you be a spy, or a loutish 
lad who has no ideas beyond the selling of 
fish.” 

“ Where am I to go ?” Louis asked as he 
promptly obeyed the order by stepping toward 
the door. 

“Fall in with the squad there, and you’ll 
soon find out.” 


LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


99 


There came to the boy’s mind the thought 
that he could not be going to the gallows, 
otherwise these Britishers, brutal though they 
were in the treatment of prisoners, would at 
least have given him an opportunity to prepare 
for death. 

Perhaps he was to make a change of prison- 
ers, and it might be he would soon find himself 
in Guy’s company. 

This thought gave him yet greater courage, 
and he stepped forward promptly, almost 
cheerily, taking up a position between two of 
the soldiers. 

Then came the command to march,” and he, 
holding his head as high as his drooping spirits 
would permit, kept pace with his captors as 
they passed down the hall, through the outer 
door, and into the open air once more. 

Night was so nearly come that he could 
barely distinguish surrounding objects because 
of the gloom, and it was impossible to form 


100 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

any idea of the direction in which he was being 
conducted. 

During five minutes or more the soldiers 
marched steadily forward, and Louis believed 
they were going toward that point where he 
had been taken into custody. 

They halted in front of one of the most pre- 
tentious dwellings in the town, before the door 
of which paced two sentinels, and because of 
this last fact he knew they were come to the 
quarters of some officer of high rank in the 
British army. 

Now he understood why he had been brought 
out from the prison. 

It was either that he might be taken before 
a military court for trial, or be subjected to a 
private examination. 

This last supposition proved to be the correct 
one. 

After waiting outside until the officer who 
had charge of the squad had entered the house 


LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


101 


and come out again, the small prisoner was 
conducted past the sentinels into an apartment 
where were five Britishers, all evidently of high 
rank, seated in lounging attitudes around a din- 
ner table. 

It was to be an informal examination, 
otherwise more ceremony would have been 
observed. 

When the boy was literally pushed forward 
into the apartment, and his guard closed the 
door behind him, thus remaining outside, no one 
appeared conscious of his presence. 

The officers were discussing the progress of 
the siege, and by their conversation he learned, 
first, that a parallel ” was evidently a military 
term applied to trenches and embankments 
thrown up as a protection to the besiegers who 
advanced against the guns of a fort ; that the 
Americans had pushed forward their second 
parallel to within two hundred and fifty yards 
of the British works, and that the besieged 


102 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

were decidedly anxious concerning this steady 
progress. 

When he had thus remained unheeded five 
five minutes or more he knew the enemy were 
thoroughly alarmed, for the officers did not 
hesitate to say that unless Sir Henry Clinton 
came soon to their relief, the town would be 
taken. 

This cheering information that the Britishers 
were already disheartened when the siege was 
hardly more than begun, caused Louis’ spirits 
to revive wonderfully, and for the moment it 
seemed to him that his life or Guy’s was of but 
little consequence so that the Americans came 
off victorious. 

Then, when he had been in the room perhaps 
ten minutes, one of the officers called his com- 
panions’ attention to the prisoner, as if he but 
at that moment was aware of the boy’s presence. 

“So you are the rebel who has come into 
town in the hope of gaining information ?” one 


LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


103 


of them asked sternly, glowering at Louis as if 
to frighten him at the outset. 

We came to sell fish, sir,” the hoy replied, 
mentally nerving himself for the examination, 
which he understood was begun, and resolved 
under all circumstances to adhere closely to the 
outline of a story which it had been decided 
they would tell. 

Who sent you ?” 

^at cannot rightly be said that we were 
ordered to come, sir. Money was necessary, be- 
cause, with both armies marching so near onr 
home, we have been plundered of everything.” 

With whom do you live 

“My mother.” 

“ And your father ? He is in the rebel army, 
I presume ?” 

During an instant Louis was tempted to make 
it appear as if his mother was a widow, as Guy 
had said they would endeavor to give the im- 
pression, and then, saying to himself he would 


104 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

keep as nearly to the truth as possible, replied 
in the affirmative. 

“ With which portion of the army is he ?” 

I do not know, sir,” and yet this boy told 
the truth in a certain degree, since he could not 
have said in which division his father was, 
although as a matter of course he knew the 
major served as aid to General Lafayette. 

“ What was your purpose in coming here. 

“To sell fish, sir, as I have said before. We 
craved permission from those on board the fleet, 
and were told there would likely be no objec- 
tion to our coming ashore. On attempting to 
land a soldier stopped us, declaring we must 
have a permit. This we got, and yet in spite of 
that have I been taken in charge, forced to 
leave my fish on the shore unprotected.” 

“ Show me the permit.” 

“ My brother has it, and he left me with the 
boat while he went into the town with as many 
fish as he could carry.” 



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LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


105 


^^How did you obtain it?” 

Louis recounted truthfully all the circum- 
stances connected with their gaining this per- 
mission, and when he had concluded the officers 
spoke in low tones among themselves, after 
which he who had acted as spokesman asked: 

What was found on you when the soldiers 
made the search.” 

“ There has been nothing of that kind done, 
sir.” 

“Then it is time there was,” and tapping on 
the table with the handle of a knife, the Brit- 
isher summoned one of the guards from the hall 
saying as the latter entered : 

“ Make thorough search of this lad, and see to 
it that every article of his clothing receives 
your attention.” 

This command was obeyed in anything rather 
than a gentle fashion. Louis was roughly and 
completely stripped of his garments, each article 
of apparel being examined inch by inch as if 


106 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

it was believed be might have some important 
document hidden in the seams or under the 
lining. 

As a matter of course, all this was useless 
labor, for beyond such trinkets as a boy would 
naturally carry, he was possessed of nothing 
save the small amount of money received from 
the sale of his fish. 

“ Do you know that you are to be hanged as 
a spy ?” the officer asked when the examination 
was concluded. 

“It is not possible you would be so wicked 
as to do that, sir,” Louis cried, striving not to 
show evidence of alarm. “It has been told 
that Greneral Cornwallis gave permission to the 
people hereabout to trade with the army, and 
seemed desirious they should do so. We came 
here because of what was no less than his 
promise.” 

“ Those who visit the town to sell foodstuffs 
are welcome ; but a spy loses his life.” 


LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


107 


How can you say that I am a spy ?” and 
now it was as if the knowledge of danger em- 
boldened tlieboy,f(>r while speaking courteously, 
his voice was firm, and there was no evidence 
of fear in his bearing. did no more than try 
to sell my fisk, and, until the soldiers took me 
in charge, did not leave the shore.” 

But your brother was making a search in 
the town for some one.” 

^‘Yes, sir, he was hunting for those who 
would purchase that which we brought.” 

He is crafty, like all others of his kidney 
whatever their age,” one of the ofiicers remarked, 
and in so loud a tone that Louis understood the 
words were meant for his ears, but he did not 
reply to them. All his faculties were centered 
on keeping strictly to the story which he had 
in mind, and he feared to be led into any con- 
versation which might cause him to vary from 
his first statement. 

You may save your life by telling us whom 


108 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

your brother was in search of,” the one who was 
acting as spokesman said. ‘^Refuse to do that 
and you will be hanged as a spy.” 

have already told you, sir. He desired 
no more than to find some one who would buy 
bis fish. Can you tell me where he is now ?” 

I am the one who is conducting this exami- 
nation, not you. It is enough when I say that we 
have him in charge, and he will pay the penalty 
for entering our lines under false pretenses.” 

Before taking a human life, sir, you should 
be very certain you are warranted in so doing.” 

“ And you presume to give me advice ?” the 
officer cried as if in a rage. 

“Being innocent of any wrongdoing, and 
knowing that my brother is no more guilty 
than myself, surely I, even though but a lad, 
may say something in my own defense.” 

“Put an end to this, Jeffards,” one of the 
party said impatiently. “It is dull work at 
the best, and you are not called upon to weigh 


LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


109 


words with this rebel cub. Hang him, or let 
him go, whichever seems proper to you, but do 
not devote so much time to trifles.” 

“ Unless he is disposed to tell us the whole 
story of his coming here, I think the proper 
treatment will be to send him to the scaffold in 
the morning,” the spokesman of the party said 
as he glowered at Louis. “ Now is his oppor- 
tunity, and if he lets it pass we may not be of 
the same mind by sunrise.” 

I can tell you no more, sir, and you have 
the power to hang two lads who came in 
response to the invitation given by your general, 
but it will not aid you either in defending the 
town, or holding possession of the colonies.” 

He speaks pertly, as they all do,” another 
of the company said. Let him go, Jeffards ; 
he is neither amusing nor entertaining.” 

During this farce of an examination Louis 
had been allowed to put on his garments which 
had been so roughly stripped from him, and 


110 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

now, when he who had been called Jeffards 
made a significant gesture to the soldier who 
yet remained in the apartment, the prisoner was 
led out into the open air. 

Here the squad was awaiting him, and with- 
out delay he was reconducted to the wooden 
cell in the guardhouse. 

The boy did not believe that the examination 
which he had just undergone was one of serious 
import. It appeared to him that if his life was 
really in danger — if this man had the power to 
hang or set him free — they would have con- 
ducted the matter with more solemnity, more 
dignity, and there was in his mind the thought 
that all this had been done simply for the 
purpose of frightening him into making a con- 
fession. 

If now he could but hold a five-minute’s con- 
versation with his cousin, it seemed just then as 
if all would be well with them. 

So far as he was concerned, the Britishers had 


LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


Ill 


DO evidence whatever that he was a spy; but 
the situation might be more serious with Guy, 
and, as a matter of fact, Morgan had intimated 
as much. 

Now all his anxiety was -for his cousin rather 
than himself, and he started up at the slightest 
sound, hoping to hear the familiar v^oice which 
would tell him all was as well as might be with 
prisoners taken in custody on such a serious 
charge. 

He paced to and fro in the narrow apartment 
until he was dizzy and exhausted, after which 
he laid down upon the floor in the hope that 
slumber might come to his eyelids. 

Then it was, when it seemed as if the night 
was more than half ended, he heard what 
sounded at first like the scurrying of rats in the 
walls, but he gave no attention to it until the 
noise was repeated with somewhat of regularity, 
and appeared to have come from nearabout the 
window. 


112 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

A sudden hope sprang up in his breast. 
Morgaa, the spy, would certainly aid him if it 
was in his power, and it might be that the 
Jerseyman was thus signaling to him. 

With assistance from the outside this impro- 
vised jail was not impregnable, and it did not 
seem to the boy probable that extremely strict 
watch was kept over it. 

At intervals during the day the heavy guns 
in the British fortifications had been discharged, 
and now and then, even while he stood on the 
beach, Louis heard the rattle of musketry, which 
told that the Britishers were opposing the ad- 
vance of the besiegers; but with nightfall had 
apparently come a cessation of hostilities, until 
this moment when he laid hold of the bars of 
the window to raise himself up it was as if 
every piece of artillery in the camp had been 
discharged. 

The enemy were either making a sortie, or 
the Americans had approached so closely in the 


LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


113 


second parallel that it became suddenly neces- 
sary to defend themselves. 

While such an uproar continued Louis might 
have shouted at the full strength of his lungs 
without being heard by the guard twenty feet 
away, and as he drew himself up by the aid of 
the bars, a shower of broken glass struck his 
face and hands, causing the blood to flow from 
several tiny wounds. 

There was a friend on the outside who, taking 
advantage of this sudden cannonading, had 
opened a means of communication. 

Louis pulled himself up until he could peer 
into the gloom, seeing nothing for an instant, 
and then a flash of burning powder revealed the 
dark form of a man on the outside of the 
window. 

^^Is it you, Morgan?” Louis whispered, and 
even though he had screamed the words would 
not have been heard because of the heavy can- 
nonading. 


114 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

Heeding not the strain upon his arms as they 
sustained his entire weight, he clung firmly 
there until the noise of the conflict subsided 
momentarily, and then came a voice which he 
believed to be that of the Jersey man : 

Who is here 

Louis Poindexter,” the boy replied. ^Hs it 
you, Morgan 

Ay, and there seems to be a chance I can 
save the life of one, if not both. Where is your 
cousin 

‘‘I do not know.” 

Here is a file with which two of these bars 
can be cut. Employ yourself at such work 
while I make an effort at ascertaining his where- 
abouts. There is like to be considerable firing 
to-night, and it is to our advantage, since I can 
move around without so much danger of being 
detected, but if it so be I remain in this town 
to-morrow morning, then the end is come so far 
as I am concerned.” 


LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


115 


How mean you ?” 

I have deserted my post in the hope of aid, 
ing you, and even though I were not a spy, 
death is the penalty of such an act.” 

Then it was that the guns roared yet louder, and 
all conversation was necessarily at an end for the 
time being. 

Louis felt the sharp edges of the file as the 
tool was pressed between his fingers, and clutch- 
ing this, he dropped down to the floor below in 
order to relieve the strain upon his arms. 

Here he remained until the booming of the 
guns died aw^ay, and then raised himself once 
more as he whispered : 

“ How may you be able to learn where Guy 
is confined ?” 

There was no reply, and he understood that 
the spy had set about his work without linger- 
ing for further conversation which could result 
in no definite good. 

Had his cousin been with him at this moment 


116 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

Louis would have found it difficult to repress 
some evidence of his joy and relief, for now did 
it seem as if escape was not only possible, but 
^ very nearly accomplished. 

During a few seconds he stood holding the 
precious file firmly in his hands, rejoicing, and 
then came the realization that there was work 
for him to do in order to aid Morgan in the 
task he had undertaken. 

The heavy bars must be so far filed asunder 
that they could be readily broken by one on 
the outside, and this might be a long task 
owing to the fact that, unable to come at them 
conveniently, he would be forced to work at 
the iron while standing on tiptoe with both 
hands stretched as high above his head as 
possible. 

There was a great fear in his heart that the 
spy might not be able to ascertain where Guy 
was confined, and he asked himself whether it 
would not be cowardly if he should take advan- 


LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


in 


tage of the opportunity to escape while his 
cousin remained a prisoner. 

There will be time enough to decide that 
when it is possible for me to leave this place,” 
he said, half to himself, as if the sound of his 
own voice was necessary to animate his courage. 
^Qt is by no means certain that even with Mor- 
gan’s help I can escape from here, and the bars 
yet remain to be cut.” 

The cannonading was resumed. 

The British, alarmed at the progress made 
by those who worked in the second parallel 
which was now approaching so near their lines, 
were making every effort to check the Ameri- 
cans’ advance, and the allied armies were not 
unwilling to reply with an equal number of 
shot and shell. 

Therefore it was that at times the din was 
almost deafening, for the British guns could not 
have been above five hundred yards distant from 
where Louis was confined, and the American 


118 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

artillery was so near that they appeared to be 
close at hand. 

The prisoner might have battered at the cell 
door with an ax and yet not alarmed the guard. 

He could use the file without intermission 
until the booming of the guns died away, and 
such intervals were welcome because they 
afforded a needed opportunity for rest. 

His arm ached from being held so long above 
his head ; his hands were blistered and bleed- 
ing as now and then he cut them against the 
jagged iron ; his head was in a whirl, caused 
by the excitement of the attempt, and there 
were times when he was absolutely unconscious 
of what he did. 

However confused the boy may have been in 
mind, there was ever before him the thought 
that liberty, perhaps life, depended upon his 
exertions, and he ceased not his efforts, save 
when the cessation of the cannonading made it 
absolutely necessary. 


LOUIS POINDEXTER. 


110 


Once lie fancied there was a sound of foot- 
steps in the hall, and believed the guard, having 
heard the sharp grating of the file against the 
bars, was come to learn what he might be 
about. He wasted several precious moments 
with his ear at the door listening, even though 
he could not have heard the tramp of an hun- 
dred men, and then he resumed the work with 
feverish energy. 

He lost all idea of the passage of time, and 
while it was yet evening wondered if the morn- 
ing might not be close at hand. 

Again he said to himself that although he 
should succeed in cutting the bars it would be 
impossible to get away, and then hope would 
reanimate him until he believed it was the 
same as if he was already free. 

In this manner, alternately despairing and 
filled with confidence, he worked almost unwit- 
ting of what he did, until the task was nigh to 
accomplishment. 


126 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


CHAPTER VI. 

FREEDOM. 

The guns of the besieged and the besiegers 
continued to roar, now furiously, and again 
dying away into occasional reports, as Louis 
remained crouching upon the floor awaiting the 
coming of Morgan, the spy, and yet saying to 
himself that the man would not return. 

It seemed to the lad, because of the hideous 
noises of the conflict, that the entire British 
camp must be in such a turmoil that no man 
might move around at will, and he forced back 
the hope which sprang up again and again in 
his heart, with the argument that it was not 
possible this Jerseyman could carry out his 
purpose. 

More than once he fancied he heard a voice 


FREEDOM. 


121 


at the window, and drew himself up by the 
weakened bars, but only to be disappointed. 

Then he gazed out nervously, fearing each 
instant to see the gray light of the coming 
dawn when he knew all hope of escape for this 
night at least would be at an end, and finally, 
when he was convinced the spy would not 
return, some hard substance was flung into the 
cell at a moment when the guns boomed the 
loudest. 

As he leaped up he fancied he heard, even 
amid the uproar from the outside, the dull rend- 
ing as of metal, and when he would have 
grasped the bars, found that they had been 
forced apart. 

The Jerseyman was not unmindful of his 
promise, and yet remained at liberty to aid those 
who were in peril through having acceded to 
his wishes. 

Grasping one of the bars which had not been 
cut, Louis raised himself up, and as his head 


12^ MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

appeared above the ledge he felt himself grasped 
by the shoulders, pulled violently through the 
aperture, and then lowered to the ground below. 

It was all done so suddenly that he could 
hardly persuade himself he was outside the 
prison, even though conscious of being in the 
open air. 

Then his hand was grasped firmly ; in silence 
he was led down what appeared to be a narrow 
lane, across a garden, through a shed filled 
with wood, up a ladder, and thence into a loft 
filled with hay. 

Not until he was arrived here did his con- 
ductor speak, and then it was to say in a tone 
of relief : 

That was not badly done, my lad, and if 
the remainder of the work can be carried out as 
readily, we shall have taken the first step 
toward freedom, although by doing so I have 
shut myself off from gaining further informa- 
tion regarding the doings of the enemy. Per- 



Louis felt himself grasped by the shoulders, and pulled violently through the 

aperture.— Page 122. 











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FREEDOM. 


123 


haps, however, that may not be of such great 
importance, for the siege is well-nigh at an 
end.” 

Will the Britishers succeed in driving our 
men away?” Louis asked. 

Not so, my lad. The American Army has 
much the best of it, and even though Sir Henry 
Clinton does arrive with a fleet, it is the opinion 
of many English soldiers that he can accom- 
plish nothing. Cornwallis is in a trap, and the 
^boy,’ as he contemptuously spoke of Lafayette, 
will have done much toward humbling him. It 
may be as well that I go now, for the enemy is 
at the end of his resources.” 

But Guy ? Surely you are not counting on 
leaving him behind.” 

I am going to make one hazardous venture 
in his behalf, and if it fails, we must acknowl- 
edge ourselves beaten, for after daylight comes 
I can no longer venture to show myself among 
the redcoats.” 


124 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

must be nearly day now.” 

Not so, lad, it is hardly midnight, and you 
are to remain here hidden in the hay while I 
return to the guardhouse. The people who 
own this barn are friendly to the cause, and 
there is no danger to you unless, for some un- 
expected reason, the Britishers should take it 
into their heads to search the place.” 

‘‘Do not think of me,” Louis whispered 
eagerly. “Waste no time here if it so be you 
may aid Gruy, for if but one of us shall be able 
to return home, it were better he was that 
one.” 

“We will take both if possible, and if we 
fail, I am inclined to believe that his life is not 
in great danger, since there is no real proof of 
his having come as a spy, and the Britishers 
are too near their last gasp to care about pro- 
voking reprisals by hanging a child. Are you 
hungry ?” 

“ It matters not if I am. Think only of Guy, 


FREEDOM. 


125 


and although I remain without food forty-eight 
hours, it will be as nothing compared with 
his liberty.” 

“ Do not be alarmed if I remain absent a long 
while. Should the day overtake me before the 
work is finished, I may have to seek some other 
hiding-place than this ; but if I fail to return 
within two hours after sunset to-morrow night, 
then you must shift for yourself, because I shall 
be past all aid or aiding.” 

With this not overly-cheerful assurance, the 
Jersey spy departed, and, burrowing as deeply 
as was possible in the hay, Louis prayed fer- 
vently and earnestly that this faithful soldier, 
who might be so near an ignominious death, 
would be permitted to succeed in the work of 
liberating Gruy. 

Had Louis known what a desperate and ven- 
turesome plan the Jerseyman had in mind, 
he would have lost all hope, believing the spy 
must fail in the attempt beyond aperadventure. 


126 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

Morgan set about it, however, calmly and me- 
thodically, as he had done all his work since 
that day when, under instructions from 
General Washington and by request of the 
Marquis de Lafayette, he had apparently de- 
serted and entered the British service. 

He who had already won the gratitude of 
the commander-in-chief, and who might expect 
as a reward, rapid promotion when he returned 
to the Continental forces, was now bent on 
risking his life in the hope of saving a boy 
whom he had seen but twice before, and taking 
most desperate chances, for if the scheme failed 
in any particular, nothing could save him from 
death on the scaffold. 

In all the night’s work the one favoring 
element was this attack by the besiegers, when 
the British forces were so actively engaged that 
the absence of one man would escape attention, 
and while the booming of the heavy guns 
drowned all other sounds. 


FREEDOM. 


127 


Morgan retraced his steps until he was come 
directly beneath the window from which he 
had literally pulled Louis Poindexter, and here, 
after groping around a brief time, he found his 
musket and accouterments which had been 
flung aside for the time being lest they should 
impede his movements. 

Once more he was equipped as a British 
soldier, and now he crept out from behind the 
building, making a long detour until he was in 
the main road at some distance away from the 
entrance to the guardhouse, when he wheeled 
suddenly about and walked with measured 
tread toward this improvised prison. 

He was halted, as a matter of course, by the 
sentinel outside, to whom he said hurriedly, as 
if time pressed : 

^^Lord Cornwallis would have speech with 
that spy Captain Bolton took in custody this 
afternoon, and I am come to fetch him.” 

There appeared to be nothing unusual in 


128 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

such a procedure ; but yet the sentinel, because 
of his curiosity, did not allow him to approach 
the door immediately. 

What is being done ?” he asked. “ Did the 
rebels make an attack ?” 

“No; we have opened fire upon their second 
parallel, which was approaching dangerously 
near, as you may know, and I heard it said that 
a sortie had been determined upon ; but it is in 
my mind that the commander would know the 
true disposition of the enemy, and counts on 
forcing one of the spies to give the information.” 

“Are we doing much execution among the 
rebels ?” 

“ When last I was at the front, more than an 
hour since, we held them in check, and they 
showed signs of abandoning their works ; but it 
must be their courage is returned, judging from 
the cannonading.” 

Then, as if his was an errand which admitted 
of no delay, Morgan brushed almost rudely past 


FREEDOM. 


129 


his companion-in-arms, as he beat with the butt 
of his musket against the door. 

Had word already been sent from the front 
that this American, who claimed to so love the 
king as to be willing to fight in his behalf, was 
missing from his post, then would Morgan 
enter the prison not to leave it again until he 
was led the scaffold, and this he knew full 
well ; but there was no hesitation on his part. 

When the door was opened in response to his 
rude summons, and the soldier-jailer appeared, 
he said with the air of one whose mission is 
most urgent : 

‘^My Lord Cornwallis would have speech 
with the first of the spies brought in this after- 
noon, and at once.” 

Where is your squad?” the jailer asked, 
grown suspicious for a moment. 

^‘Hf I cannot take a single lad in safety from 
here to headquarters, it is time I was drummed 
out of the army. While we at the front have 


130 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

SO much in hand, there is no reason to send half 
a dozen men when one can do the work.” 

What is going on ?” 

Morgan repeated that which he had told the 
sentry, and the jailer, eager to learn all he might 
from this, the first visitor he had seen since sun- 
set, who could give accurate information, insisted 
upon the Jersey man’s giving all the details 
regarding the work of the night. 

Sit you down and smoke. I’ll warrant you 
can spend five minutes here without risk of a 
reprimand.” 

“The commander is not in good humor this 
night, and he who lingers is like to be called 
to a rigid account,” Morgan replied ; yet, at the 
same time he accepted the invitation lest he 
should appear too eager to remove the alleged 

spy- 

Now it was that the curiosity of this jailer 
threatened disarrangement of all the Jersey- 
man’s plans, for at any moment might come 


FREEDOM. 


131 


some of his British comrades who would know 
that he had not been sent by Lord Cornwallis. 

However, it was equally hazardous for him to 
appear too eager, and one would have said, as 
he sat in this outer room of the guardhouse 
smoking, that the king had no more loyal 
subject. 

As a matter of course, Morgan should have 
had some written authority from the commander 
to take charge of the prisoner ; but because of 
the evidently fierce engagement which was 
waging, and the general excitement among all 
the soldiery, such formality was either lost sight 
of entirely or waived because of the supposed 
exigencies of the occasion. 

The Jerseyman, having given all the informa- 
tion desired, the greater portion of which was 
purely imaginary, knocked the ashes from his 
pipe as he arose with a yawn : 

am like to spend a few hours in here 
under your care, if I hasten not my movements; 


132 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

therefore bring out the young rebel, and let me 
have done with the task, for I have been on duty 
since eight o’clock this morning, and am like to 
be kept in uniform until Lord Cornwallis has 
satisfied his curiosity.” 

The jailer made no further attempt to detain 
his supposed comrade, but at once conducted 
him to the upper floor of the building where 
he unlocked the door of a cell similar to that 
which had been occupied by Louis. 

Again was come the time when danger men- 
aced Morgan, for if Guy should incautiously be- 
tray any sign of recognition, then might the 
attempt come to a sudden and disastrous ending. 

In addition to this, at any moment word 
might he brought that one of the prisoners had 
escaped, and it was possible once such fact was 
known, the other spy would not be delivered 
up to a private soldier without he bore written 
orders from the commander. 

In order to guard against carelessness on 


FREEDOM. 


133 


Guy’s part, Morgan entered the cell in advance 
of the jailer, keeping his head turned so that 
the rays of the lantern might not fall upon his 
face, and immediately seizing the boy by the 
shoulder, gave him a warning shake, as he said 
sternly : 

“You are to follow me, you young rebel, and 
if so much as a word escapes your lips from this 
time until you are before those who have sent 
me, it will go hard with you. You are not even 
to speak to me.” 

“Queer orders those,” the jailer said with a 
laugh. 

“ Yet they are what I received, and may not 
have been given without good cause, for if two 
spies were in town this afternoon, there might 
be others, and it isn’t well a warning should be 
given them.” 

It can be fancied that Morgan lost no time in 
hurrying Guy from the prison, and so firm a 
clutch did he keep upon the collar of the boy’s 


184 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

coat that it would have been difficult for the 
prisoner to have made any remark, whether 
incautious or not. 

Out of the building, past the sentinel on the 
street, and then up through the gloom as if 
making his way to the front, Morgan led Guy 
until they were so far from the guardhouse that 
it appeared safe to indulge in conversation. 

“ I was afraid you might speak, lad, and be- 
tray my purpose, which would have been an 
exceedingly serious matter for us both,” the 
Jerseyman said in a low tone, and Guy replied 
with a long-drawn sigh of relief : 

didn’t even know it was you until we 
passed the sentry on the street.” 

^‘I kept my face well hidden, fearing you 
might betray some acquaintance with me.” 

Where is Louis ?” 

Safe, and in hiding. We shall join him as 
soon as may be; but in order to deceive the 
redcoat at the guardhouse, in case he watched 


FREEDOM. 


135 


the direction we took, I am forced to make a 
long journey around to gain a short distance.” 

And you ? How have you dared do this 
thing ?” 

^^It is a question of life or death, and I have 
risked all on the hazard, abandoning my post, 
and am like to be shot therefore if the British- 
ers get their hands on me to-night.” 

Can we leave the town, think you ?” 

It is too near daylight to hazard the venture. 
I am counting on keeping in hiding twenty 
hours, when we will risk the attempt, and if it 
so be our men make it as hot for the enemy as 
they seem to be doing now, we are like to slip 
through without much trouble.” 

Then in the fewest possible words Morgan 
explained to Guy how Louis’ rescue had been 
effected, and the boy could not refrain from 
expressing his admiration of the bravery and 
daring displayed by this man who, on the rolls 
of his company in the American troops, was 


136 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

set down as a deserter and against whom a 
similar charge would be made in the British 
lines. 

We won’t say overly much of what I have 
done, lad, until we be out of the woods, for 
there are many chances against our ever rejoin- 
ing our comrades.” 

Even if we don’t, you have shown yourself 
to be a brave man.” 

I am not so certain of that, lad, for since I 
pretended to be a scoundrel and came over to 
the redcoats there has been hardly a moment 
that I haven’t felt like the veriest coward, fear- 
ing lest the next man who spoke would charge 
me with being a spy.” 

Yet you have continued at your work nobly, 
and are entitled to all the more praise because 
you knew well the dangers.” 

Then Guy asked regarding the cannonading, 
and for the third time Morgan gave the infor- 
mation, although on this occasion he did not 


FREEDOM. 


137 


pretend any very definite knowledge regarding 
the affair. 

I only know the Britishers have made an 
attack upon our front, and because of the fact 
that as yet we have not heard musket firing, I 
conclude they have thought it best not to make 
a sortie, as I heard early this evening was to be 
attempted.” 

Guy would have inquired as had Louis regard- 
ing the probable result of the siege, for it 
seemed to him as if liberty was already assured; 
but before the question could be asked there 
was a sudden change in the situation. 

In order to gain that building where Louis 
was hiding it became necessary, as Morgan had 
said, to make a long detour directly toward the 
advanced line, and it was the intention of the 
spy to turn from the road into a narrow lane 
leading to the right, by means of which he 
could pursue a more direct course. 

They were yet within a hundred yards of the 


138 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

turning when it was as if two soldiers came up 
from out of the very earth, so suddenly did 
they appear. 

There was no time to avoid the meeting, and 
any attempt at flight would have been certain 
proof that something was wrong, therefore it 
was necessary that Morgan should continue to 
conduct Guy forward as he had begun, with 
the alleged purpose of taking him before the 
commander. It seemed as if fortune, which 
had favored them thus far, suddenly deserted 
the Jerseyman, for when they were come oppo- 
site the soldiers one of them said hurriedly to 
his companion : 

“ Here is our man now,” and both stepped in 
front of Morgan. 

How may I be your man ?” the spy asked 
with an assumption of boldiless which he could 
not have felt. 

‘‘We are sent by Captain Bolton to put you 
under arrest,” 


FREEDOM. 


139 


“ On what charge ?” 

“ That of leaving your post without per- 
mission.” 

Once this man should take him into custody, 
both he and Guy were doomed to death beyond 
a perad venture, and Louis was yet in almost as 
much danger as when confined in the jail. 

Desperate measures must be taken if this 
man who had claimed to love the king would 
save his own life and that of his companions. 

He formed a plan so quickly in his own mind 
that there was no apparent hesitation as he 
replied : 

How may a man have left his post without 
permission when he was ordered to head- 
quarters?” 

“ Why should you have been taken from the 
front where much work is being done ?” 

That I cannot say, but certain it is I have 
not been idle this night.” 

What are you doing with the boy ?” 


140 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

He is one of the spies taken this afternoon, 
and I was sent to fetch him to the commander.” 

To what end ?” 

How may I answer that question ? Does 
Lord Cornwallis confide his purposes to private 
soldiers ?” 

The man appeared staggered by the bold 
stand Morgan had taken, and for an instant it 
seemed as if the latter might succeed in eluding 
them by sheer bravado. 

They made a motion as if to step aside that 
he might pass, and then, bethinking himself of 
the command given by the captain, one said : 

^‘You are well out of what looked like a 
serious matter, comrade, since the excuse is a 
good one, and must be received by the captain, 
at the same time our orders were to conduct you 
to him, and we must do it.” 

Surely you won’t attempt to interfere with 
the commands of Lord Cornwallis ?” 

The delay will be but trifling, and since we 


FREEDOM. 


-141 


have had instructions from Captain Bolton, it 
is not for us to say what the commander may 
desire. We must obey.” 

Morgan was for the moment at a loss to know 
what might be done, and yet there must be no 
hesitation. 

Thinking he could safely afford to spend 
some time on reflection, for between them and 
the most advanced lines was not less than half 
a mile of distance, he said: 

^Wery well, comrades. Of course you will 
bear me out, in case I am like to be disciplined 
for delaying, that I had no other choice ?” 

Captain Bolton will see that you are held 
harmless after we explain that you made pro- 
test against coming with us.” 

“ Then let us lose no time,” and Morgan set 
out like one who is eager to arrive at his en- 
forced destination in order that a mistake may 
be rectified. 

The night was dark ; the street apparently 


142 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

deseiiied by all save these four, and at the 
front the cannonadiug was so heavy that a cry 
for help could not have been heard many yards 
away. 

Before they had advanced a hundred paces 
Morgan’s mind was made up. 

To go on in the custody of these soldiers was 
certain death, and no worse could follow if he 
attempted resistance and failed. 

During all this time Guy had remained silent, 
fearing to speak lest he should interfere with 
some plan the spy had in mind ; but his heart 
was heavy indeed when their flight was thus 
interrupted, for he could see no possible escape. 

It was when matters looked darkest — when 
death seemed walking side by side with him 
that he felt a sudden warning grip upon his 
shoulder, and understood at once that some des- 
perate effort to turn the tables was about to be 
made. 

He could not know what it would be ; but 


FREEDOM. 


143 


mentally nerved himself for the first move Mor- 
gan should make that he might do something 
toward assisting him, literally holding his breath 
in suspense until suddenly the Jerseyman struck 
out with his right fist, dealing a vicious blow 
on the jaw of the soldier nearest him. 

The man fell as an ox falls before the butcher, 
and at the same instant Morgan seized the mus- 
ket as it dropped from his nerveless hands. 

The second soldier was quick to take the 
alarm. It was as if the Jerseyman had no more 
than raised his arm to strike before he leveled 
his musket full at the breast of the spy, and 
even as he pressed the trigger, Guy darted 
under the weapon, forcing it upward. 

The report could hardly be heard amid the 
heavy cannonading, therefore there was no dan- 
ger this might bring others to the scene; but 
the man, not daring to hold his own with an 
empty musket, turned to fiee, evidently for the 
purpose of giving an alarm. 


144 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

In the darkness there was little chance 
Morgan could fire with any accuracy of aim, 
and instead of attempting to bring his man 
down by such means, he sprang after him, cry- 
ing to Guy: 

Quick, lad, for your life ! Yonder soldier 
must be captured.” 

Although the redcoat could not know all the 
circumstances of the case, he had good proof 
that Morgan was ready to do him a mischief, 
and fled in the direction of the guardhouse, 
straining every muscle in the race as he shouted 
loudly for help. 

Now was the moment when, by turning in 
the other direction, they might have escaped ; 
but by pursuing such a course a hue and cry 
would be raised and the town searched within 
an hour. 

Therefore the only safe plan was to capture 
or kill this soldier who would give the alarm. 

Morgan, still carrying the musket, ran no 


FREEDOM. 


145 


less swiftly than did the pursued, and Guy con- 
trived to keep close at the spy’s heels, so that 
w'hen the decisive moment should come, if in- 
deed it did before they were arrived at the 
guardhouse where the chase was at an end, he 
might be able to second his companion’s efforts. 

It was a race for life or death, and he who 
lost lost all. 


146 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


CHAPTER VIL 

IN HIDING. 

In Guy’s mind there was no hope they could 
win in this mad race, because the soldier was 
crying so loudly for help that it seemed positive 
some of the citizens, if not the redcoats, must 
come to his assistance. 

Beside all that, the guardhouse was not so 
far away but that he might be able to reach it 
in time, and once he arrived there with suffi- 
cient life in him to tell the story, they were 
undone indeed, even though they succeeded in 
escaping temporarily. 

It would not be possible they could get out 
of the town once a hue and ciy had been raised, 
and one word from this man would doom 
them to a shameful death. 



Moi’gan raised his musket, and the soldier fell headlong, shot through the 

heart.— Page 147. 




IN HIDING. 


W 

Suddenly Guy saw the Jerseyman halt, and 
he gasped for breath, for it appeared to him as 
if the chase was abandoned ; but at almost the 
same instant Morgan’s musket was raised, and 
amid the heavy cannonading a faint report was 
heard. 

The soldier fell headlong, shot through the 
heart, and this source of danger was cut ofip. 

Morgan stood silent and motionless as a 
statue, listening intently while one might have 
counted twenty, and then, no person appearing 
to learn the cause of the disturbance, although 
there were dwellings on either side the street, he 
swiftly retraced his steps, motioning Guy to 
follow. 

Now the boy thought they would go directly 
to where his cousin was in hiding ; but Morgan 
had been forced to change his plans, and con- 
tinued his rapid pace only until he came to where 
the first soldier lay insensible on the ground. 

‘‘ What are you about to do ?” Guy asked in 


148 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

surprise, as he noted that the spy was unfasten- 
ing the belt from the body of the insensible man 

‘^AVe have got to take a prisoner, more’s the 
pity, for I cannot kill even a redcoat in cold 
blood.” 

But why do you meddle with him ? He 
will come around after a bit.” 

“That is exactly what troubles me, lad. If 
I was certain he wouldn’t come around, we 
could keep on without much fear as to the 
result ; but once he recovers consciousness, our 
work this night is speedily made known.” 

“Even if he never speaks again, the Britishers 
will understand by to-morrow morning what 
has happened.” 

“True; but the knowledge would not come 
until after daylight, and then there would be 
more mystery as to our whereabouts. We must 
take him with us in order to save our own 
necks, troublesome though he will likely prove 
to be.” 


IN HIDING. 


149 


Guy was seriously disturbed by this propo- 
sition to make the soldier a prisoner when they 
themselves must remain in close hiding, and 
he believed that such an act would prove their 
own undoing ; but yet forebore from arguing 
with the Jerseyman because it would savor of 
impertinence after all that had been done. 

Morgan used the soldier’s crossbelts to bind 
his hands, and contrived a serviceable sort of 
gag by tearing oft one of the skirts from the 
uniform, which he made ready to fasten into 
place by the broad waist-belt. 

In such work no less than three minutes were 
consumed, much to Guy’s anxiety. - 

“ We shall waste our time here until others 
come,” he said impatiently, and Morgan replied 
in a matter-of-fact tone : 

“It cannot be helped, my lad. When a man 
is working to save his own life, he must do the 
job thoroughly, lest he comes to grief at the 
moment when he seems most secure.” 


150 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

“And how may we take care of him, forced 
to hide as you have said, perhaps through 
to-morrow?” 

“ Some way must be provided, for certain it 
is we cannot leave him behind.” 

“ Then why not try to make our escape to- 
night ? Surely we should be able to get away 
by water.” 

“ The sentinels in front of the town are sta- 
tioned no more than twenty yards apart, and 
we could not hope to pass them. Haste makes 
waste, you know, lad, and in this case the old 
adage may read : Haste costs life. If you and 
your cousin take the responsibility of setting 
out by yourselves, of course, I have no author- 
ity to stop you.” 

“We would not think of doing such a thing, 
and particularly after you have put your life in 
jeopardy to aid us. It is the capture of this 
soldier which troubles me.” 

“You need have less fear than if we left him 


IN HIDING. 


151 


behind. Take hold with me, and help raise him. 
to his feet.” 

Even as they lifted the head of the prostrate 
man, he began to regain consciousness, glancing 
around him as if in affright, and Morgan said in 
a low tone : ^ 

You can well understand the cause of this 
rough handling, comrade. We are fighting for 
our lives, and shall not hesitate to take yours if 
you make any outcry. At present we hold you 
prisoner, and it is only necessary to obey our 
commands in order to insure decent treatment.” 

“ What do you intend doing with me ?” the 
man asked. 

Giving you an invite to remain with us in 
hiding perhaps twenty-four hours, and putting 
this gag into your mouth during such time 
as we are occupied in going from here to the 
place selected.” 

Then you are what Captain Bolton believes 
you to be — a spy ?” 


152 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

‘‘It makes little difference how I may stand 
in the captain’s opinion. It is sufficient for 
you that I have the upper-hand just now. 
By putting yourself in my place for a moment, 
you can well understand what I shall be willing 
to do if you interfere with the plans we have 
formed.” 

As he spoke Morgan took up the gag, and the 
soldier, recognizing the uselessness of resistance 
while he was nearly helpless, opened his mouth 
obediently to receive the necessary infliction. 

During every second of the time thus spent 
Guy was in a fever of anxiety lest, under cover 
of the heavy cannonading which still continued, 
more of the British soldiery might come upon 
them unawares. 

Fortune favored them on this ' occasion, how- 
ever, if she had played such a disagreeable 
trick a few moments previous. 

The prisoner was marched forward witli one 
of his captors on either side, and at a rapid pace 


IN HIDING. 


153 


they continued the journey without molestation 
until they had arrived at the end. 

Here the soldier was forced to ascend a lad- 
der to the haymow, and once there Morgan 
called softly Louis’ name. 

It can well be understood how quickly the 
summons was obeyed. 

The boy’s name had no more than been 
spoken before the two cousins were in each 
other’s embrace, and for the moment all else 
was forgotten save the fact that they were 
escaped from the disgraceful death, thanks 
to the loyalty of this Jerseyman upon whom 
they had no claim other than as a countryman. 

^^You lads may exchange greetings later, 
when there will be plenty of time,” Morgan said 
grimly. I have yet to venture out once more, 
and then will come your opportunity for talk- 
ing.” 

Are you bent on risking your life again ?” 
Louis cried in alarm. 


154 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

“I must do it in order to save us from mucli 
suffering, perhaps, for here we are like to 
stay twenty-four hours at the least, and both 
food and drink will be necessary.” 

had rather suffer hunger and thirst twice 
that length of time than have you take such 
chances.” 

“Do not fear for me; I shall return in as 
good condition as when I set out, for this time 
I am venturing among those who can be 
trusted.” Then to the soldier the Jerseyman 
said: “I am not minded, comrade, to leave you 
so close a prisoner as that you are unable to 
speak. Give me your word of honor that you 
will make no outcry, and obey whatever com- 
mand these lads may give, and your mouth shall 
be at liberty.” 

Then, understanding that the soldier could 
not promise until he had free use of his tongue, 
Morgan removed the gag as he said with a 
laugh : 


IN HIDING. 


155 


shall stay out until you can give me your 
word, if not longer.” 

“ I should be an idiot to refuse such a pledge 
when you have me entirely in your power.” 

That’s exactly the way I look at it ; but at 
the same time it will be necessary for you to 
promise in plain words.” 

^^On the honor of a soldier I pledge myself 
to do whatsoever one or the other of you shall 
•demand, and to hold my peace save when I am 
given permission to speak.” 

That is' enough,” Morgan said in a tone of 
satisfaction. Now, lads, you must care for this 
Britisher while I leave you for a short time.” 

As he spoke the Jerseyman led his prisoner 
forward, for it was so dark in the loft of this 
barn that one could not see even the outlines 
of his nearest neighbor, and when the boys had 
laid their hands on the man, the latter asked : 

What has become of my comrade ?” 

He took to his heels, hoping to reach the 


156 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


guardhouse, and I was forced in self-defense to 
shoot him down.” 

The prisoner made no reply, and a moment 
later the boys knew from a certain slight 
rustling that Morgan livas descending the 
ladder. 

So it appears that you two lads, whom we 
took this afternoon, really are spies ?” the sol- 
dier said in rather a friendly tone. 

I do not think that term can be applied to 
us, although we came within your lines from 
the American army,” Guy replied; but if it is 
all the same to you we won’t go into the details 
of our business, lest, perchance, the tables may 
be turned, as they have been once to-night, and 
we find you bearing witness against us.” 

The soldier laughed as if he thought there 
was something amusing in the idea, and then 
suggested that he be allowed to lie down on 
the hay, for as yet all three were standing. 

You can guard me as well in that position. 


IN HIDING. 


157 


and at the same time all of us will be more 
comfortable. It is hardly to be supposed that 
you can fully believe I will not make any 
attempt at escape, although I assure you tliat 
such is the case, therefore you may as well do 
your work in the easiest fashion.” 

Bound as he was, the man could not lie down 
without the assistance of the boys, and once 
recumbent it would be extremely difficult for 
him to rise to his feet. 

During several moments the three remained 
silent, and then Guy asked his cousin to tell 
him how and when he had been made a 
prisoner. 

Louis gave all the details of his arrest and 
escape, and then insisted that Guy should tell 
his story. 

I was in the town looking around for Mor- 
gan when suddenly, I know not why, an officer 
seized me by the collar, accusing me of being a 


158 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


That was Captain Bolton,” the prisoner 
said, “and if it so be that you’re minded to hear, 
I can tell you exactly where you failed in doing 
your task properly.” 

“ I should like to know, for, study over 
the matter as I may, it is impossible for me to 
see wherein I was indiscreet.” 

“I heard the captain telling Lieutenant Gray, 
that instead of trying to sell fish, you were 
evidently searching for somebody, going here 
and there where men were congregated, and, 
suddenly, evidently seeing the one you were 
eager to meet, played the part so poorly as to 
forget the fish, leaving them by the roadside, 
after having declared that your sole purpose in 
visiting the town was to sell them.” 

“I’ve never thought of them until this mo- 
ment !” Guy exclaimed, “ and it is true that 
after a time I failed to make very great efforts 
toward finding customers.” 

“ He who enters an enemy’s lines carries his 


IN HIDING. 


159 


life in his hands, and above all things he should 
never forget for a single instant that work in 
which he has professed to be engaged,” the 
soldier said in the tone of one experienced in 
such matters, and after a brief pause Guy con- 
tinued his story : 

^^It seems that this Captain Bolton is the 
same one who gave us the permit to trade, 
therefore he knew I had a companion, and I 
understood from certain words that you were 
to be arrested, Louis. That is all of the story.” 

“ But surely you were examined by some of 
the British officers ?” 

I saw no one from the time I was lodged in 
the guardhouse until Morgan seized me by the 
collar as if to drag me out of the building.” 

“But how was it possible for him to enter 
the prison ?” Louis asked curiously, and Guy 
made no reply. 

“You need have little fear of talking before 
me, lad, for I did not take the king’s shilling 


160 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

with the intention of hunting down children, 
and we all know now that the man who pre- 
tended to be a deserter from the American army, 
got you out of the guardhouse by some trick or 
device. Most like when daylight comes those 
who are on duty there will tell the whole story 
which you now fear to give in my presence.” 

Guy did not hesitate longer in explaining to 
his cousin all that had occurred, and the details 
had no more than been fully given before Mor- 
gan returned, bringing with him a jug of water 
and a bulky parcel of food. 

“ I reckon we have here what will keep us 
alive twenty-four hours longer, and we may as 
well make ourselves as comfortable as the cir- 
cumstances will permit,” he said in a tone of 
content. “It is not impossible that the red- 
coats may find us here to-morrow morning ; but 
I am hoping our forces will make it so lively for 
them that they will have little time to search 
for escaped prisoners.” 


IN HIDING. 


161 


“What is going on outside?” the soldier 
asked. 

“I cannot say; the firing seems to have 
slackened, and I reckon your men have about 
given over for the night. From Lord Corn- 
wallis down to the poorest private in the ranks, 
all know this town will be taken sooner or later, 
and the men must be fighting in a half-hearted 
fashion, for he who sees defeat before him is 
not, as a rule, over-courageous.” 

“ I will admit there is a good bit of truth in 
what you say, and yet we shall give you a 
hard pull if Sir Henry Clinton arrives in time.” 

“Of that I am not so certain,” Morgan re- 
plied. “The French fieet will have some part 
to play if your vessels arrive here before the 
town be taken, which I much misdoubt.” 

Now it was that Guy bethought himself of 
the fact that they had thus ventured into dan- 
ger without accomplishing any result, and he 
exclaimed mournfully : 


1C2 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

“We have not been able to send to General 
Lafayette the information he so much de- 
sired.” 

“ True, lad, and he is not like to receive it for 
another twenty-four hours at the soonest — per- 
haps never, for we are yet far from having 
gained our freedom. But there is this much to 
console us in the matter : It is not particularly 
important he should know, because the move- 
ment amounts to nothing while the allied forces 
are pressing the Britishers so hotly. It is use- 
less for us to speculate upon that; you have 
done your best, and failed. Because of such 
failure my services here have come to an end ; 
we can no longer serve the American cause in the 
British camp, and it is our duty to save our 
lives that we may at some future day aid the 
cause again. Now let us give due attention to 
this food.” 

Even though surrounded by so many perils, 
the boys realized fully that they were hungry, 


IN HIDING. 


163 


and the prisoner himself was not loath to join 
in the meal. 

Louis and Guy felt decidedly better in mind 
once the wants of the body had been attended 
to, and the future looked less threatening. 

They speculated upon the probable length of 
the siege, and their prisoner took part in the 
conversation until it was as if the four were old 
and tried comrades who were thus bivouacked 
after a fatiguing day in the trenches. 

As Morgan and the prisoner discussed the 
events of the siege, the boys learned more about 
it than they had ever known before. 

These men spoke of the evening of the sixth 
of October, when, under cover of darkness, the 
first parallel was begun within six hundred 
yards of General Cornwallis’ works, and Guy 
was able to tell them that General Lincoln 
commanded the troops detailed for that service, 
because so much he had heard while they were 
in the American camp. 


164 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

Then the prisoner spoke of the afternoon of 
the 9th, when the several American redoubts 
and batteries had been completed, and the can- 
nonading was begun by the besiegers, to con- 
tinue for nearly eight hours. 

Morgan, who on the 10th of October was on 
duty in the outer works, told of the tremendous 
effect of the bombardment, when the king’s 
troops were forced to withdraw their cannon 
from the embrasures, and could fire very few 
shots in return. 

The prisoner claimed to have been, that same 
evening, acting as sentinel on the water front, 
and he gave a vivid description of the scene 
when the French battery on the extreme left 
began firing red-hot balls at the Guadaloupe 
and the Charon, driving the former vessel from 
her moorings, and burning the latter, together 
with three transports. 

This prisoner was of more than average in- 
telligence, and the description which he gave of 


IN HIDING. 


165 


the night, when the stars shone brightly in the 
heavens, and there was not wind enough to 
wave aside the clouds of smoke from the mouths 
of the cannon, was intensely interesting and ex- 
citing. 

Behind him as he stood at his post, so he 
said, he could see the flashes of fire from the 
mouths of the cannon, and discern the flight of 
the balls in the air, some of which, fallmg into 
the river, threw up columns of water like unto 
fountains. 

Then came the moment when the Charon, 
carrying forty-four guns, burst into flames which 
spread with inconceivable rapidity from yard- 
arm to main truck until she was seemingly one 
immense mass of fire, herself causing destruction 
to the three transports which were moored 
near by, before their anchors could be raised. 

So terrible was the bombardment that after 
he was released from duty the prisoner did not 
go to his quarters but remained around the 


166 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

town watching the effect of the cannonade, 
which was continued until early morning, when 
another vessel was burned by the fiery shots. 

Morgan told what he knew regarding the 
night of the 11th, when Guy and Louis had 
slept in the American camp, for then it was 
that the besiegers began the second parallel 
which was now causing the Britishers so much 
trouble, and being already advanced to within 
two hundred yards of the fortifications. 

When that is completed Yorktown must be 
surrendered,” the Jersey man said confidently, 
and the prisoner replied in a friendly tone : 

You must confess that Lord Cornwallis is 
an able officer, and before the time which you 
have mentioned arrives our forces will have 
made a sortie that must drive you from the 
trenches.” 

“It may be that Cornwallis is too good a 
soldier to make such an attempt. Once he takes 
from his force a sufficient number to attack us 


IN HIDING. 


167 


in the trenches, he has so weakened the town 
that either the French or the American army 
can make a successful assault.” 

These two continued discussing the possi- 
bility until the boys, having gained, as they be- 
lieved, a thorough knowledge of affairs, became 
so weary that their eyes closed despite all 
efforts to keep them open. 

When they next awakened it was day, as 
could be told from the dim light which per- 
vaded the barn, and the two men, who may or 
may not have slept, were still engaged in 
friendly controversy regarding the right of the 
colonists to defy the king. 

Now that it no longer seemed as if they were 
in extreme peril, Gruy could not but look with 
interest upon these enemies who were so friendly, 
and from this hour he had a better opinion than 
ever before of the Britishers, because of the 
manly way in which their prisoner bore him. 


self. 


168 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

Morgan, seeing that the lads were awake, pro- 
posed that the party partake of breakfast, and 
when the meal was ended he said, as if inviting 
the opinion of their prisoner : 

There is no good reason why I should cause 
you boys unnecessary alarm, and yet it is well 
you know all that may come to us. In my 
opinion now has arrived the time when we are 
in the greatest danger. By this hour your 
escape and my desertion is well known, and I 
am thinking a general search of the town will 
be made, in which case we stand good chance 
of being captured and our comrade here re- 
leased.” 

I can only hope you are a good prophet,” 
the prisoner replied with a laugh; ^^but at the 
same time I misdoubt it greatly. There must 
have been hot work last night, and those who 
were on duty are needing rest, while the re- 
mainder must man the fortifications. Were I 
an ofiScer charged with your safe keeping, I 


IN HIDING. 


169 


should set it down as a fact that during the 
heavy cannonading you escaped. But, what is 
of more importance to me, it will be believed 
that I have deserted.” 

“After the surrender we will see to it that 
the truth is known,” Morgan replied with a 
laugh, and the Britisher joining in, added: 

“ Before the surrender of Lord Cornwallis we 
may all go into Yorktown to see your Wash- 
ington give up his sword.” 

“That can never be!” Guy cried hotly? 
whereat both of the men laughed heartily, for 
they had had so much of experience in this 
game of war that it was possible for them to be 
temporary friends while yet they were enemies. 

Not until noon had come, as nearly as they 
could judge, did Morgan cease to feel anxious 
regarding their possible fate, fearing lest each 
moment they would hear that noise which pro- 
claimed the coming of a squad of soldiers to 
search the building. 


170 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

By this time, however, he shared the belief 
of their prisoner, and was grown so content in 
mind that he proposed to leave them for awhile 
in order to seek out the friend who had supplied 
them with food. 

To this both Louis and Guy opposed most 
decided remonstrances, but the Jerseyman was 
not to be persuaded ; he insisted that there was 
no danger whatsoever in his thus venturing, and, 
promising to return in less than an hour, de- 
scended the ladder. 

Be sure you bring us back all the news of 
the siege,” the prisoner called after him, and he 
replied cheerily: 

‘‘You shall hear so much as I am able to 
gather, even though it be against the credit of 
our forces.” 


THE ASSAULT. 


171 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THE ASSAULT. 

Mokgah was not absent more than an hour, 
when he caoie back bringing a fresh supply of 
provisions, and with but little news of im- 
portance to impart. 

A friend in the town, whom he had trusted 
with his life, so to speak, was the owner of this 
stable in which they were concealed, and his 
dwelling so nearly adjoined the building that 
it was only necessary to traverse a distance of 
perhaps a hundred yards in order to gain an 
interview with him, therefore it was that the 
spy, who might also be claimed by the redcoats 
as a deserter, had taken no great risk in thus 
venturing out in search of information and food. 

He reported that the townspeople, so far as 


172 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

could be learned, had not been informed of the 
escape of the spies or the desertion, and because 
of the fact that it was evidently not a matter of 
common conversation among the private sol- 
diers, Morgan argued that, owing to the excite- 
ment of the siege which was now approaching 
its culmination, as the Virginians believed, the 
British officers had paid comparatively little at- 
tention to the affair. 

The body of the soldier killed by the Jersey- 
man in self-defense had been found by the 
patrol, but thus far no attempt had been made 
to discover the murderer. 

“It is much like this,” Morgan said to his 
comrades, and save for the fact that his hands 
were bound the Britisher was treated as if he 
was one of them, “ the allied forces are pressing 
Cornwallis’ troops so hotly that there isn’t time 
to hunt after one deserter, or two boys who 
may or may not have been spies. All these 
things, including the killing of the soldier, will 


THE ASSAULT. 


173 


be attended to providing my Lord Cornwallis 
has the time ; but just now his work is cut and 
dried for him, and his hands are full to over- 
flowing.” 

^‘AVhen are you to leave here?” Guy asked. 

^^It may be we shall make the venture to- 
night.” 

“May be!” the boy repeated in surprise. 
“Have you any idea that we might stay over 
until to morrow ?” 

“Yes, a fairly good one, which has been 
strengthened since I went out. My fiiend, the 
Virginian, who, by the way, is a cripple and 
cannot be forced into either army, is an intelli- 
gent man, understanding more than a little of 
military affairs. Now it so chances, as we all 
know, that the enemy have two redoubts on the 
south of the town which are fully three 
hundred yards in advance of the regular works, 
and by means of these the redcoats are making 
it exceedingly uncomfortable for the men in our 


174 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

trenches. The Virginian believes, and I have 
great faith in his opinion, that the Americans 
must within a very short time make an attack 
on these I’edoubts, in order that they may con- 
tinue the work on the second parallel. He ad- 
vises that when that shall take place will be 
our time of leaving town, because there must be 
more or less confusion if a regular assault be 
made.” 

We might wait here a week before anything 
of the kind happened,” Guy said in a tone of 
dissatisfaction. 

“The Virginian sets it forty-eight hours at 
the longest, with the chances that the work will 
be begun at any moment from this out.” 

“ It needs not that a man be extremely acute 
to venture such a prediction,” the prisoner said 
with a laugh. “I know, as a matter of fact, 
that Lord Cornwallis believed the heavy firing 
of last evening was begun only as a covering 
for an attacking jiarty, for certain it is that once 


THE ASSAULT. 


175 


the Americans can carry those two redoubts, 
their second parallel is extended as far as they 
will care to push it.” 

“There you have an able opinion,” Morgan 
said as the soldier ceased speaking. “ Here is 
one of the enemy, and the most decent redcoat 
I have ever seen, who believes as does the Vir- 
ginian. He has nothing personally against us, 
nor we against him, and the sooner we make 
our escape the quicker he will be at liberty.” 

“ Don’t you intend to carry him to the Ameri- 
can camp ?” Louis asked in surprise. 

“ It would go against the grain to keep him 
prisoner when there was no real need of it, lads, 
and it is in my mind that he be given his 
liberty as soon as we can do so in safety to our- 
selves.” 

The soldier thanked the Jerseyman for his 
friendly words, and the latter continued : 

“ Now we may expect fair advice from the 
prisoner, and I ask him when, in his opinion, we 


176 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

had best make the attempt to leave the 
city.” 

“Were I in your shoes, and you in mine,” the 
, soldier began gravely, “1 should remain hidden 
here where you are safe, except some accident 
shall occur, until such time as the general assault 
is made, whether that be one day or ten. It is 
certain the three of you stand little chance of 
getting through our lines while matters are com- 
paratively quiet, and you would be taking very 
many risks to make a start now.” 

“But we should carry certain information 
into our lines,” Guy insisted, and the soldier re- 
plied with a smile: 

“You should if you could, lad; but even a 
spy has no right to throw his life away reck- 
lessly, and you may set it down as a fact that 
however important the information, it cannot be 
delivered unless you are willing to say that at 
least two out of three shall give up their lives 
in the effort, and take the chances that the third 


THE ASSAULT. 


17 ^ 


may pull through. Now from what I know of 
affairs in this town, I should say that there was 
nothing stirring of such moment as to warrant 
anything of that kind.” 

And in that you are right,” Morgan said de- 
cidedly. “ The Virginian, you, and I are of the 
same opinion, therefore the lads must come 
around to our way of thinking, or content them- 
selves as best they may while believing we 
should be on the move.” 

“I have no mind to set up my opinion 
against either of yours,” Guy said after a brief 
pause, therefore we will drop the subject so 
far as I am concerned.” 

Louis announced it as his belief that they 
should accept the Jersey man as a leader, follow- 
ing implicitly any commands or advice he might 
give, and thus the matter was settled. 

It is probable, however, that all of them 
looked forward with somewhat of dread to the 
idea of being forced to remain in hiding per- 


178 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

haps two or three days, and such a thought 
must have been in the Jerseyman’s mind, for he 
said with an assumption of cheerfulness : 

“If we stay here listening for the sounds 
which shall tell us the assault has begun, the 
time will seem doubly long. We must settle 
down with the idea of making ourselves as com- 
fortable as possible, sleeping all we may, eating 
as much as will be good for us, and each doing 
his share toward trying to relieve the monotony. 
Now as a means of promoting good feeling, we 
will put our prisoner on his parole, and if he 
agrees to make no effort to escape, holding to 
his other promise that we have on his word of 
honor, then I say let us free his hands.” 

“ I am more than willing to give my parole,” 
the soldier replied, and immediately the bonds 
were removed from his arms he fell to chafing 
them, thus showing that he had suffered much 
pain because of his cramped position, but yet 
would not make known his discomforts. 


THE ASSAULT. 


ItO 

Then, perhaps in part payment for this 
partial freedom, he set about telling stories, for 
as a member of the British army he had traveled 
in many countries, and, thanks to his having 
been a keen observer, the hours of the forenoon 
passed so rapidly that the boys were surprised 
when they learned the afternoon had already 
begun. 

It is not well to make any attempt at going 
into detail regarding all that was said and done 
during the time spent by the little party in the 
haymow, for many of the hours dragged wearily, 
despite their efforts to beguile them. 

This day passed without their having heard 
anything to betoken an assault. The cannonad- 
ing was continued at intervals all along the line, 
but not in such volume as told of an engage- 
ment. 

When night came it was as if both armies 
rested, and the fugitives and their prisoner 
slept as soundly as might be expected. 


180 MakGAN, THE JERSEV SPY, 

On the morning of the 14th Morgan paid a 
visit to the Virginian, drawing on him for addi- 
tional supplies, but learning nothing definite. 

He believed, however, so the Jerseyman re- 
ported, that the time was very near at hand 
when some decided action might be expected, 
and advised that they be in readiness to leave 
at a moment’s notice, supplementing this with 
a recommendation that should an action begin 
during the hours of daylight they wait until 
night had come before attempting to make an 
escape. 

It is hardly necessary to say that the two 
boys could not wholly put out of their minds 
the unpleasant thoughts concerning the anxiety 
of their mothers. They knew beyond a perad- 
venture that both these poor women were in 
sore distress because their sons returned not, 
and yet nothing would have given those sons 
greater pleasure than to have been able to 
transport themselves to Peyton Hall. 


THE ASSAULT. 


m 


Now Morgan believed the hour had come 
when they should settle definitely upon the 
course to be pursued once they left their place 
of refuge, understanding at the same time, how- 
ever, that accident might cause such plans to be 
thrown aside as useless, and in this task the 
prisoner assisted to the best of his ability. 

Should they attempt to make their way out 
of town toward the south, they would encoun- 
ter strong fortifications, whereas by going 
toward the north the way was more nearly 
open ; but at the same time this would bring 
them within the French lines rather than the 
American, which might prove a disaster, 
although not so great as must necessarily be 
expected by the other course. 

Therefore it was after a warm discussion of 
nearly an hour, during which all took part, it 
was decided that unless some unforeseen acci- 
dent occurred at the moment the flight was 
begun, they should gain the vicinity of the 


182 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

river bank as soon as practicable, continuing on 
in that direction, if fortune favored them, until 
they were halted by the French sentinels. 

After this was once arranged it seemed to the 
boys as if a great step had been taken toward 
escape, and, despite the Jerseyrnan’s warnings, 
they listened intently for the noise of conflict 
during the greater portion of the afternoon. 

The sun set ; the gloom of night gathered 
quickly in the loft, when outside they knew it 
was yet daylight. 

Then suddenly, when it seemed as if they 
were least expecting it, there came the heavy 
booming of cannon, rapid as if the guns were 
being hastily served, and now and then during 
the momentary pauses between the heavy 
reports was heard that sharp crackle denoting 
the discharge of musketry. 

The assault has begun !” Morgan cried joy- 
ously as he leaped to his feet. ^‘The assault 
has begun, and our time for flight has arrived ! 


THE ASSAULT. 


183 


Not a moment must be lost ! Do you carry one 
of the muskets, Guy, while I take the other.” 

They had possessed themselves of the weap- 
ons formerly carried by the soldier who had 
been shot, and the one owned by the prisoner, 
which, together with such ammunition as the 
latter had about his person, afforded them 
reasonably fair means of defense. 

It was not their purpose however, to fight 
their way through ; but Morgan had determined 
that once the flio^ht was be^un nothins; save a 

o o o 

greatly superior force should be allowed to 
check them. 

Am I to go with you ?” the prisoner asked, 
and the Jersey man hesitated for an instant, after 
which he said, looking sharply at the boys to 
learn if they approved of his proposition : 

“ There is no good reason why you should, if 
it so be you are willing to remain behind and 
take the chances of being accused of deserting, 
providing, however, you pass your word of 


184 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

honor to say nothing of what has occurred until 
twelve hours have elapsed. By that time we 
shall either be safe within the American lines, 
or confined in the British prison again.” 

I am ready to give my word as to the last, 
and should my statement be disbelieved regard- 
ing what has happened, it will most likely be 
possible to communicate with your officers.” 

Some one on General Lafayette’s staff will 
be able to verify the story that we made you 
captive,” Morgan replied, and both Guy and 
Louis signified their willingness that such bar- 
gain should be made, for the presence of the 
prisoner in case of a struggle might be ex- 
ceedingly disagreeable. 

We may meet again when there shall be no 
question of enmity between us,” the Britisher 
said, clasping each by the hand in turn, and 
had a stranger witnessed the parting he would 
have said it was an old and a tried friend who 
was thus taking his leave. 


THE ASSAULT. 


185 


“ Stay where you are half an hour longer, and 
then go wherever you will,” Morgan cried as he 
begun the descent of the ladder, followed closely 
by the two boys, whose hearts were beating 
violently with excitement caused by the thought 
that now was come the moment when they would 
save their lives by winning liberty, or meet 
death. 

At the entrance to the stable they were met 
by the Virginian who, understanding that the 
time for their flight had arrived, was come to 
bid them Godspeed. 

I heard a soldier who passed near the house 
evidently carrying a message, say that both the 
outer redoubts nearest the water were being 
assaulted,” he said. ^^It will render your escape 
more dangerous, since you will necessarily be 
exposed to the fire of friends as well as enemies. 

^^We would take the chances even though 
forced to cross a battlefield,” Morgan said 
emphatically, and then made as if to pass on, 


I 


186 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

but that the Virginian asked concerning the 
British soldier. 

Tlie Jerseyman explained what arrangements 
had been made, and then was begun that flight, 
during which until they were well within the 
lines of the besiegers, no aid could be expected 
from friends. 

It was not yet so dark but that they could 
see the troops being sent at double quick in this 
direction or that, and yet Morgan led the way 
out directly among the enemy, saying, when 
Guy remonstrated with him, that they were 
needlessly exposing themselYes. 

‘^At such a time as this, when the Britishers 
are so hotly pressed, I am thinking that even 
though we met Captain Bolton face to face he 
would hardly spend five minutes in an effort to 
capture us. We can save much distance, which 
means many moments, by going in the same 
direction with these troops, who are hurrying 
northward, and it is well worth the venture.” 


THE ASSAULT. 


187 


Then it was that, greatly to their amazement, 
the boys found themselves moving on unchecked 
in the midst of their enemies, and thus also did 
it happen that they were able to pass the senti- 
nels, who, under other circumstances, would 
have brought them to a halt until they might 
give a reasonable account of their purpose. 

In less than ten minutes, thanks to having 
taken this direct course, they were arrived in 
the rear of the most northerly redoubt, which 
was being assaulted, and around them was fall- 
ing American lead which had overshot its mark, 
while the English bullets, as a matter of course, 
were being sent in the opposite direction. 

It was an old circumstance that the first 
danger which they encountered was from 
friends; but the Jerseyman appeared to con- 
sider this a good omen, for he said cheerily as 
he ran swiftly forward, heading directly toward 
the river bank in order to make a detour. 

After having been so near death at the 


188 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

hands of the Britishers, we need have no fear of 
Continental shot. 

By the time they were between the redoubts 
and the river, and no more than five minutes 
had sufficed to bring them to this point, it was 
possible to gain a very good idea of what was 
being done. 

The French troops were making an assault 
and meeting with such resistance that the tide 
of battle seemed likely to turn against them. 

Across the town from the southward was 
another action, and Morgan said hurriedly as he 
surveyed the situation with the purpose of find- 
ing where he might be of the most service : 

“ It stands to reason, lads, that the Continen- 
tals are charging on one redoubt, and the 
Frenchmen on the other. It is unfortunate for 
us that we cannot be among those who speak 
our language ; but these here are our allies, and 
we must bear a hand in the scrimmage, for they 
are surely getting the worst of it.” 


THE ASSAULT. 


189 


^‘Are we to take part i*n a battle?” Louis 
cried in something like alarm. 

Stay here, you two lads, if it so be you pre- 
fer. As for me, I must bear a hand whether 
it be under the lilies of France or the Continen- 
tal flag.” 

Then without waiting to learn their decision, 
the spy, throwing off his red coat that he might 
not be mistaken for one of the Britishers, ran 
forward at full speed, and while Guy and Louis 
yet stood deliberating as to what should be done, 
they saw him join the ranks of the assaulting 
party, after which he was swallowed up by the 
smoke. 

^‘It would be cowardly to remain here idle 
while that which may decide the fate of the 
town is being done,” Guy said half to himself, 
and Louis, swallowing back what was much 
like a sob, said tremulously : 

believe I know what my father would 
advise were he here, and I also am certain how 


190 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

mother would view the matter; but 1 would 
be ashamed to go into the American camp and 
say we two had stood idly by while we saw 
our allies fighting against a superior force.” 

Meaning that you believe we should go in ?” 

‘‘It is little I can do, because of having no 
musket; but yonder fight is so hot that I shall 
be able to find one speedily, although I am 
exceeding timorous, Guy. Now has come 
the time when we may prove that we are en- 
titled to the privilege of enlisting, even though 
we be but lads.” 

As he said this, and fearing his courage 
might desert him, Louis ran forward swiftly in 
the same direction as that taken by the Jersey- 
man, Guy following close at his heels, and it 
was to the boys as if they had no more than 
started before they were in the midst of all the 
horrors which may be witnessed in an assault 
where those who attack must fling themselves 
against the fortifications of the enemy. 


THE ASSAULT. 


191 


Hardly aware of what they did, the two lads 
joined the nearest line of soldiers, falling in on 
the left, and seeing them, the men shouted loudly 
in admiration for their courage, when, as Guy 
afterward said, they were so terribly frightened 
that it would have been impossible to have 
loaded a musket, until after the first shock was 
over. 

Side by side with these veterans the little 
lads marched steadily and bravely straight up 
the redoubt, from which came a perfect rain of 
lead, and holding their own in the line, even 
though they could do no execution against the foe. 

An officer seeing them, came up and patted 
each on the head, as though they were mere 
babies, speaking some words in French 
which they could not understand, and had 
hardly concluded before they saw him fall for- 
ward on his face, the blood gushing from a 
wicked-looking wound in his throat. 

This was their baptism of fire, and, as both 


19^ MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

confessed afterward, from the moment the gal- 
lant officer fell it was as if they were uncon- 
scious of the part they played. 

On the following day Major Poindexter heard 
this story from Count De Lameth, a French 
adjutant-general who was wounded during the 
action: 

^^The two children, with faces white as death, 
marched side by side with the grizzled veterans, 
one carrying a musket, and the other empty- 
handed, up against the redoubt, wavering not 
even when our grenadiers recoiled ; still on, 
until before I fell they were leading the com- 
pany by no less than five paces, and then it was 
that the firm bearing and heroism which these 
two children displayed caused our men to hurl 
themselves upon the redoubt the second time, 
despite the terrific loss they had suffered. I 
saw them once again after I was wounded, when 
the smoke lifted, and then, still steadily on- 
ward, wavering not, they followed Count 



While the boys were scaling the wall, they were confronted by a powder- 
begrimed figure.— Page 193. 


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THE ASSAULT. 


193 


Dumas’ corps, stopping here to give a wounded 
man a drink from his own canteen, or there to 
pull aside one who was dying, that his soul 
might depart in peace.” 

Guy remembers that while they were scaling 
the wall, now scrambling over a dead man, and 
again being forced back by one who was stricken 
down, they were confronted by a powder- 
begrimed figure, who came toward them with 
both hands outstretched as he cried : 

^‘If I ever thought you lacked pluck, I’m 
ashamed of myself at this moment ! It is such 
lads as you who will give George the Third the 
lesson he needs. Hurrah, boys ! Come on, and 
let us say that we were among the first French- 
men who entered the redoubt !” 

It was the Jerseyman who thus praised them, 
and as they halted there for an instant in the 
din of the fight, Louis said, speaking with diffi- 
culty because of that swelling in his throat 
which he could not keep down : 


194 MORGAN, THR JERSEY SPY. 

‘‘ If we could do sometliing ! Guy and I are 
only following the men, without doing anything 
toward helping win the fight.” 

“ Bless your heart, lad, you have done more 
than any twenty of the oldest soldiers here, for 
when we were getting it so hot back there a 
moment ago, it was your keeping on as you did, 
when it seemed every second as if you would 
surely be killed, that held the Frenchmen up to 
their work. Do anything, lads ! If we take 
this redoubt to-night, you have had ten times 
more than your share in it !” 

But I haven’t even so much as a musket !” 
Louis cried, and he had hardly spoken before 
Morgan, taking one from the lifeless hand of a 
soldier of France, gave it to him. 

It is loaded, lad. The poor fellow who last 
carried it was sent out of the world before he 
had time to pull the trigger. There is one 
charge left, and I doubt not but that you will 
make good use of it.” 


THE ASSAULT. 


195 


At that moment Count Dumas, standing on 
the very edge of the redoubt, called to those 
who were yet struggling up the steep to follow 
him for the honor of France, and the Jersey spy 
with his two small comrades so lately escaped 
from death on the gallows, accepted the invita- 
tion as heartily as did any grenadier in the 
ranks. 


196 


MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 


CHAPTER IX. 

SURRENDER. 

It was not until after the British had surren- 
dered the redoubt that Guy and Louis awoke to 
a full realization of the dangers to which they 
had been exposed, and then they were in com- 
parative safety. 

When the order to cease firing” came, be- 
cause the British lieutenant-colonel who com- 
manded the redoubt had surrendered, evidences 
of a desperate conflict were everywhere around, 
and these tw^o lads who had gained their first 
experience in military affairs on such a hotly 
contested field, were faint and sick because of 
the horrible sights on every hand. 

They were crouching near one of the heavy 
guns when Morgan, wdio had left them for a 


SURRENDER. 


197 


brief time, returned with full information as to 
wLat Lad occurred immediately around them. 

“You are looking like sick chickens, lads,” he 
said cheerily. “ It is not at all as it should be, 
considering what you two have done this night.” 

“ Perhaps we are feeling very much as we 
look,” Guy replied faintly. “ I knew but little 
of the whole affair until this minute, when I 
see so much around me that is terrible.” 

“ All the aspects of war are terrible,” Morgan 
said with a long indrawing of the breath as his 
mind went back to the many perils he had en- 
countered in behalf of the cause. “ All are ter- 
rible, and this not the worst by any manner of 
means. It has been a sharp contest, and well 
fought. It is said this redoubt was garrisoned 
by one hundred and twenty men under the 
command of a lieutenant-colonel ; that eighteen 
of the garrison were killed, and forty-two taken 
prisoners, while the balance are more or less 
seriously wounded. As nearly as I can make 


198 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

out, for you know I am not great on talking 
French, our friends liave lost in killed and 
wounded about one hundred. So you see, lads, 
your first action was not a mean one, and when 
men tell of the siege of Yorktown they can 
never fail to speak of what we shared in this 
night.” 

am not looking so far in the future as 
that,” Louis said with an apology for a smile; 

nor do the details of the fight interest me very 
much just at this moment, for my only anxiety 
is to get back to my father.” 

“You are the same as back now, lad; since 
this redoubt has been taken we are already in 
the Continental lines, and have only to walk a 
matter of three miles, wLere are none to molest 
us, when we shall have arrived at Lafayette’s 
headquarters.” 

“We shall surely meet those who will bring 
us to a halt until we explain our purpose.” 

“That is a matter which can easily be ar- 


SURRENDER. 


199 


ranged, and when you lads are ready to set out 
we will begin the journey.” 

“It is to my mind that we go to General 
Lafayette’s headquarters as soon as may be, for 
I am eager to have speech with my father once 
more,” Louis said promptly, and Guy had no 
desire to linger amid that scene of carnage. 

It was necessary, however, in order to prevent 
delays, that Morgan should get something in 
the way of a pass from the French commander, 
who was Baron de Viomenil, and no little time 
was consumed in effecting this purpose, because 
it was essential that he should clearly prove 
himself to have been a member of the Conti- 
nental Army sent on secret service, and this was 
not readily done at the time. 

The baron’s first thought was of detaining 
him and the boys as prisoners until morning, 
that the truth of their story could be ascer- 
tained ; but when Morgan represented why the 
lads were eager to arrive at Lafayette’s head- 


200 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

quartei’8, and gave a detailed account of the 
perils through which they had passed, the baron, 
understanding well why they would make liaste, 
gave the written permission. 

It was near to nine o’clock in the evening 
when they set out, and now that they w^ere 
virtually safe, a fever of anxiety consumed the 
boys lest in their absence some accident, such 
as one may always look for in time of war, had 
overtaken their loved ones. 

To divert their minds from unpleasant 
thoughts Morgan began discussing the events of 
the night without arousing them overmuch, un- 
til he made the statement that the capture of 
the redoubts, for it was believed the Americans 
had been successful in their assault upon the 
southernmost works, had the same as brought 
the siege to an end. 

^^How may that be?” Guy asked, thinking 
their companion was exaggerating the tru.th in 
order to entertain them. “The assaults were 


SURRENDER. 


201 


not made on the regular works, and the British 
still hold possession of the main fortifications.” 

‘‘That is true, lad, but you must understand 
that these same unimportant works, as you call 
them, which we have taken this night, were in 
such location as greatly hindered our advancing 
the second parallel, and the capture of them has 
made it possible for us to move forward our 
trenches so far as we may desire. Once that 
has been done the town must be surrendered.” 

“Then it is to your mind that Yorktown is 
the same as taken ?” Louis said. 

“Ay, lad, the Britishers can hold out but lit- 
tle longer, and we shall have arrived in time to 
explain why the small boats were massed in 
front of the town, for now I believe Cornwallis 
wdll make an attempt at escape rather than be 
forced into surrendering.” 

It was seen, as the three who had thus escaped 
death in many forms advanced along the lines, 
that these assaults were by no means the only 


202 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

work contemplated to be done on this night. 
Men were hurrying forward from every quar- 
ter, and the Jersey man explained such activity 
by saying that the work in the trenches would 
be pushed ahead with the greatest possible 
celerity, in order that the captured redoubts 
might be included in the parallel, after which 
the town would be so closely invested that the 
allied armies could mow down the enemy at 
will. 

When they were finally arrived at Lafayette’s 
headquarters Morgan’s first duty, as a matter of 
course, was to report without delay to the gen- 
eral ; but he advised the boys as to how Major 
Poindexter might soonest be found, and in a 
comparatively short time Louis was clasped in 
his father’s arms, while both the lads attempted 
to tell the story of their adventures, but in vain, 
because of the emotion that overpowered them. 

Happily Colonel Peyton was near at hand, 
and the major sent a messenger for him that he 


SURRENDER. 


203 


might the sooner hear the good news, for both 
these fathers bad mourned their sons as dead, 
since they made a delay in Yorktown of more 
than twenty-four hours. 

One of the slaves from Peyton Hall was re- 
maining in the lines in the hope of being able 
to take back to his mistress some cheering news, 
and him the major dispatched in hot haste to 
report the arrival of the lads, with the promise 
that as soon as might be expedient they should 
be sent home. 

It was not until Colonel Peyton had arrived 
that the boys were able to tell a connected 
story of the dangers they had encountered in the 
town, and before this was come to an end Mor- 
gan entered the major’s tent with the word 
that General Lafayette would speak with the 
young messengers. 

Again were the lads admitted to the tent of 
the ‘^boys,” whom Cornwallis had boasted he 
was able to whip so readily, and when they 


204 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

stood before the general and a goodly portion 
of his staff, the marquis said with a kindly 
smile : 

understand that you children have been 
covering yourselves with glory.” 

“ It would be difficult for us to explain how,” 
Guy replied with a laugh. ^^Our journey was 
only distinguished by the bungling manner in 
which I did the work.” 

“And was it a bungling piece of business 
when you led the French grenadiers on to the 
assault at the northern redoubt ?” the young 
general asked with a smile, and Colonel Peyton 
and Major Poindexter looked about them in 
surprise. 

“We did no more, sir, than to go with the 
troops, and the works had been nearly captured 
when we arrived.” 

“ I have here word from Baron de Viomenil, 
who requests that I thank you in his name for 
the manner in which you encouraged even such 


SURRENDER. 


205 


veterans as the grenadiers. It is set down in 
his own handwriting that much of the success 
in this night’s assault was due to your bravery. 
It is true, major,” he added, noting the look of 
bewilderment on the face of Louis’ father, and 
handing him the paper from which he had been 
reading. ^^In addition to all that, Morgan re- 
ports that you acted like men in the time of 
danger; that the threats of the enemy could 
not force you to divulge any secrets regarding 
our troops.” 

Both the lads were now blushing furiously 
under this praise, and as the general ceased 
speaking Guy replied modestly : 

We could not have betrayed that of which 
we were ignorant, sir, even though we had been 
so disposed.” 

“You might have been frightened into ad- 
mitting that you were sent from this camp in 
quest of information.” 

“ Such admission would have condemned us as 


206 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

spies. We thank you, my cousin and I, for 
your kindly words ; but we fear they are not 
deserved.” 

‘‘It is to my mind that the baron has not 
made a mistake, and I am quite certain Morgan 
knows what was your behavior in the town. 
Therefore I shall differ with you as to your de- 
serts, and make this promise, conditional upon 
its being ratified by the commander-in-chief. 
When you shall have received the permission of 
your fathers to enlist, and do so in my command, 
it shall be my pleasing care to see that you are 
advanced as rapidly in rank as may be consist- 
ent. I thank you both, and when, as now 
seems probable, my Lord Cornwallis is forced 
to surrender, you shall ride with me in the 
capacity of volunteer aids. 

This was a favor which the young marquis 
had granted but once before since he had been 
in the Amer’can sevvu*e, and although the boys 

^ . • .-e^iowed 


SURRENDER. 


207 


Upon them, their fathers fully appreciated it. 
Then the general, intimating by a bow that the 
interview was at an end, the boys left the tent 
accompanied by Colonel Peyton and Major Poin- 
dexter, the four looking honestly proud. 

The Jerseyman remained behind, and from 
what he had contrived to whisper to Gruy, the 
latter understood that he was to make on that 
same night a detailed report of all his work in 
Yorktown; therefore the boys could hardly 
hope to see him again until morning. 

Yes, your mothers have been in sore distress 
concerning you,” Major Poindexter said in reply 
to Louis’ question when they were in his 
quarters once more ; but now we may reason- 
ably believe that old Jacob will arrive at Peyton 
Hall before morning, when their anxieties will 
be at an end.” 

Now it was that the boys were called upon 
to tell the storv of the part thev had takpu in 


20S MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

ment to themselves that they were forced to 
admit how inconsiderable a part of the evening’s 
work they were familiar with. 

It was as if neither of them were there until 
the redoubt was taken, and Guy despairing of 
being able to tell a satisfactory story after all 
the praise bestowed upon them, said laugh- 
ingly : 

^^We have been given the credit for that 
which we did not really do. Arriving just at 
the moment the advance was made, it seemed 
but natural, after Morgan had done so, to fall 
in line, and it is more like a dreadful dream 
than a reality when I try to recall anything 
which was done.” 

“ Yet you have earned the name of heroes,” 
Colonel Peyton said proudly, and Guy added : 

Perhaps it would be more nearly true, sir, 
to say that we have received the name, though I 
still maintain that we earned nothing on this 
night.” 


SURRENDER. 


m 


Be that as it may,” his father replied with 
a laugh. I am well content even with your 
version, which suits me better than if you were 
disposed to take more credit than is your right, 
and now as to the future, young sirs : it would 
not be a difficult matter to set out after daylight 
and arrive at Peyton Hall in time for the noon- 
day meal.” 

Are we to go back, sir ?” Guy cried in a 
tone of disappointment. “After General Lafay- 
ette has promised that we shall ride with him 
as aids at the surrender of the town, may we 
go away ?” 

“The town has not yet surrendered, and 
your mothers are expecting to see you at the 
Hall. What would you do if you had your 
own will ?” 

“Enlist, sir. Has not General Lafayette 
promised that we should rise in rank as rapidly 
as was consistent ?” 

“Yes, but that is no token that the major and 


210 MORGAN, tHE JERSEY SPY. 

I will permit a couple of children to put on the 
uniforms of soldiers.” 

“Yet you as much as said, uncle, that we had 
earned the right,” Louis cried. “Surely we 
have had a harder experience^ since leaving 
home, than the men under your command, for 
how many are there who have been arrested as 
spies, escaped from the Britishers, and wound 
up by aiding in a successful assault — for you 
say that we did aid in that, and the French 
commander has even gone so far as to ask that 
General Lafayette thank us in his name.” 

“ I am afraid you are getting the better of us, 
you boys, and perhaps after this campaign is 
over you may be allowed your will in the mat- 
ter of enlisting,” the colonel replied with a 
laugh. “ It would be unfair to send you home 
now, for your mothers will have no exceeding 
anxiety, knowing you are with us, therefore 


SUkRENDEk. 


211 


Louis’ father believed it best they should 
remain with him because of the favor they had 
already gained with General Lafayette; but he, 
as well as Colonel Peyton, insisted that the 
buys give their entire attention to sleep until 
sunrise, for it was probable the following day 
would be one of excitement. 

It is the pui^ose of this story to relate only 
such portion of the boys’ adventures as the 
Jersey spy was directly concerned in, therefore 
it should come to an end here, for all which 
Morgan did, not only during the siege of York- 
town, but afterward, to aid the Continental 
cause, could not be told in a book of twice the 
number of pages contained in this. 

However, it may be of interest, even though 
this tale is not concerned chiefly with Guy and 
Louis, to tell of the honor which the young 
French marquis bestowed upon them. 


21^ MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

captured redoubts had been merged into the 
second parallel, and at five o’clock on that after- 
noon the Americans opened fire once more upon 
the British works. 

Guy and Louis were not allowed to take part 
in this action ; but they remained within half a 
mile of the front where the bombardment could 
be witnessed, and insisted on keeping their eyes 
open until midnight, for it was momentarily 
expected that the enemy would make a 
sortie. 

They retired just in time to miss this portion 
of the siege, which they most desired to see. 

It was not until four o’clock in the morning 
that Lieutenant-Colonel Abercrombie, of the 
British forces, made a sortie against the almost 
completed batteries guarded by the French 
troops; he was successful, but an hour later 
was repulsed and driven back. 

On this day, the 16th of October, while 
the two lads were loitering about near Major 


SURRENDER. 


213 


Pcindexter’s quarters, a messenger came from 
General Lafayette with orders that they report 
to that officer immediately. 

“Now we shall hear good news,” Guy said, 
confidently. “The marquis has not forgotten 
his promise, and I venture to say you and I 
will see more of the siege than our fathers in- 
tended we should.” 

In this Guy was not mistaken, for when they 
presented themselves at headquarters the young 
general said with his kindly smile, which ever 
won the hearts of those on whom it was be- 
stowed : 

“It is in my mind that the time for the 
capitulation of the city is near at hand, and in 
order that you may receive due reward for the 
dangerous work so well performed, I propose 
that you accompany my staff from this on. 
Horses will be provided, and you shall mess 
with Major Poindexter, as has already been 
arranged.” 


214 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

Thus it was, and no greater reward could 
have been bestowed upon them, that the boys 
saw the ending of this wonderfully successful 
campaign, which may be said to have won for 
the colonies their independence. 

During the afternoon of the 16th and the 
forenoon of the I7th Gruy and Louis, proud 
of the unusual distinction bestowed upon 
them, accompanied the young general as he 
rode up and down the American lines, and 
were among the first to see a flag of truce which 
came out from the town at about ten o’clock in 
the forenoon. 

General Cornwallis had requested that hos- 
tilities be suspended for twenty-four hours, and 
this, as Major Poindexter explained to the boys, 
was much the same as saying he was ready to 
surrender. 

It was on the afternoon of the 18th of 
October that the French and American armies 
were drawn up in line to receive the capitula- 


SURRENDER. 


315 


tion of the city, which is described by Lossing, 
the historian, in words well worthy of being 
repeated : 

“The ceremony was exceedingly imposing. 
The American army was drawn up on the 
right side of the road leading from Yorktown 
to Hampton, and the French army on the left. 
Their lines extended more than a mile in length. 
Washington, upon his white charger, w^as at 
the head of the American column, and Rocham- 
beau, upon a powerful bay horse, was at the 
head of the French column. A vast concourse 
of people, equal in number, according to eye- 
witnesses, to the military, was also assembled 
from the surrounding country to participate in 
the joy of the event. Universal silence pre- 
vailed as the vanquished troops slowly marched 
out of their intrench men ts, with their colors 
cased and their drums beating a British tune, 
and passed between the columns of the com- 
bined armies. All were eager to look upon 


216 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

Cornwallis, the terror of the south, in the hour 
of his adversity. They were disappointed ; he 
had given up to vexation and despair, and, 
feigning illness, he sent General O’Hara with 
his sword, to lead the vanquished army to the 
field of humiliation. Having arrived at the 
head of the line. General O’Hara advanced 
toward Washington, and, taking off his hat, 
apologized for the absence of Earl Cornwallis. 
The cornmander-in chief pointed him to General 
Lincoln for direction. It must have been a proud 
moment for Lincoln, for only a year before he 
was obliged to make a humiliating surrender of 
his army to British conquerors at Charleston. 
Lincoln conducted the royal troops to the field 
selected for laying down their arms, and there 
General O’Hara delivered to him the sword of 
Cornwallis. Lincoln received it, and then 
politely handed it back to O’Hara, to be re- 
turned to the earl. 

The delivery of the colors of the several 


SURRENDER. 


217 


regiments, twenty-eiglit in number, was next 
performed. For this purpose, twenty-eight 
British captains, each bearing a flag in a case, 
were drawn up in line. Opposite to them, at 
a distance of six paces, twenty-eight American 
sergeants were placed in line to receive the 
colors. 

Ensign Wilson of Clinton’s brigade, the 
youngest commissioned officer in the army (be- 
ing then only eighteen years of age), was ap- 
pointed by Colonel Hamilton, the officer of the 
day, to conduct this interesting ceremony. When 
W^ilson gave the order for the British captains 
to advance two paces, to deliver up their colors, 
and the American sergeants to advance two 
paces to receive them, the former hesitated, and 
gave as a reason that they were unwilling to 
surrender their flags to non-commissioned offi- 
cers. Hamilton, who was at a distance, observed 
this hesitation, and rode up to inquire the cause. 
On being informed, he willingly spared the feel- 


218 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

ings of the British captains, and ordered Ensign 
AVilson to receive them himself, and hand them 
to the American sergeants. 

^AVhen the colors were surrendered, the 
whole army laid down their arms. It was an 
exceedingly humiliating task for the captives, 
for they had been for months enjoying victories 
under their able commander, and had learned to 
look upon the rebels with profound contempt. 
After grounding their arms and laying off their 
accouterments, they were conducted back to 
their lines, and guarded by a sufficient force 
until they commenced their march for perma- 
nent quarters in the interior of Virginia and 
Maryland. 

The loss of the British on this occasion was 
one hundred and fifty-six killed, three hundred 
and twenty-six wounded, and seventy missing. 
The whole number surrendered by capitulation 
was a little more than seven thousand, accord- 
ing to the most reliable authorities, making the 


SURRENDER. 


219 


total loss between seventy-five and seventy-eight 
hundred. The combined array employed in the 
siege consisted of about seven thousand regular 
troops, more than five thousand French, and 
four thousand militia ; a total of over sixteen 
thousand men. Their loss during the siege, of 
killed and wounded, was only about three hun- 
dred. The artillery and military stores and 
provisions surrendered were very considerable. 
There were seventy-five brass, and one hundred 
and sixty iron cannons ; seven thousand seven 
hundred and ninety-four muskets; twenty-eight 
regimental standards (ten of them English and 
eighteen German) ; a large quantity of cannon 
and musket-balls, bombs, carriages, etc., etc. 
The military chest, contained nearly eleven 
thousand dollars in specie.” 

On the following morning Guy and Louis 
returned to Peyton Hall, there to remain, as 
Colonel Peyton said to General Lafayette, until 
they should enlist under his command, and re- 


220 MORGAN, THE JERSEY SPY. 

gai'd'mg wliat they did when they \vere truly 
soldiers in the Continental Army, as well as 
when and where they met Morgan again, shall 
be told at some later day. 


THE END. 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS 

For Young People 

BY POPULAR WRITERS, 

97-99-101 Reade Street, New York, 


Honnie Prince Charlie ; A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden, By 
G. A. Henty. Wi.h 12 full-page Illustrations by Gordon 
Browne. 12mo, cloth, price |1.00. 

The adventures of the son of a Scotch officer in French service. 
The boy, brought up by a Glasgow bailie, is a rested for aiding a 
Jacobite agent, escapes, is wrecked on the French coast, reaches 
Paris, and serves with the French army at Dettingen. He kills 
his father’s foe in a duel, and escaping to the coast, shares the 
adventures of Prince Charlie, but finally settles happily in Scot- 
land. 

“Ronald, the hero, is very like the hero of ‘ Quentin Durward.’ The lad’s 
qourney across France, and his hairbreadth escapes, make up as good a nar- 
rative of the kind as we have ever read. For freshness of treatment and 
variety of incident Mr. Henty has surpassed himself.” — Spectator. 

With Clive in India ; or, the Beginnings of an Empire. By 
G. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Gordon 
Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

The period between the landing of Clive as a young writer in 
India and the close of his career was critical and eventful in the 
extreme. At its commencement the English were traders existing 
on sufferance of the native princes. At its close they were masters 
of Bengal and f the greater part of Southern India. The author 
has given a full and accurate account of the events of that stirring 
time, and battles and sieges follow each other in rapid succession, 
while he combines with his narrative a tale of daring and adven- 
ture, which gives a lifelike interest to the volume. 

“ He has taken a period of Indian history of the most vital importance, 
and he has embroidered on the historical facts a story which of itself is deeply 
interesting. Young people assuredly will be delighted with the volume.”— 
Scotsman. 

The Lion of the North : A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus and the 
Wars of Religion. By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illus- 
trations by John Sctionberg. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

In this story Mr. Hen y gives the history of the first part of the 
Thirty Years’ War. The issue had its importance, which has ex- 
tended to the present day, as it established religious freedom 
in Germany. The army of the chi alrous king of Sweden was 
largely composed of Scotchmen, and among these was the hero of 
the st.ory. 

“ The tale is a clever and instructive piece of history, and as boys may be 
trusted to read it conscientiously, they can hardly fail to be profited.’’' - Times. 


A. L. BITHT’S publications. 


d 

The Dragon and the Raven ; or, The Days of King Alfred. By 

It. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by C. J. StaNI- 

LAND, R.I. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

In this story the author gives an account of the fierce struggle 
between Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England, and presents 
a vivid picture of the misery and ruin to which the country was 
reduced by the ravages of the sea- wolves. The hero, a young 
Saxon thane, takes part in all the battles fought by King Alfred. 
He is driven from his home, takes to the sea and resists the Danes 
on their own element, and being pursued by them up the Selnej 
is present at the long and desperate siege of Paris. 

“ Treated in a manner most attractive tO the boyish reader.” — Athenomm, 

The Young Carthaginian : A Story of the Times of Hannibal. 

By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by C. J. Stani- 

LAND, R.I. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Boys reading the history of the Punic Wars have seldom a keen 
appreciation of the merits of the contest. That it was at first a 
struggle for empire, and afterward for existence on the part of 
Carthage, that Hannibal was a great and skillful general, that he 
defeated the Romans at Trebia, Lake Trasimenus, and Cannae, 
and all but took Rome, represents pretty nearly the sum total of 
their knowledge. To let them know more about this momentous 
struggle for the empire of the world Mr. Henty has written this 
story, which not only gives in graphic style a brilliant descrip- 
tion of a most interesting period of historv, but is a tale of ex- 
citing adventure sure to secure the interest v'f the reader. 

” Well constructed and vividly told. From first to last nothing stays the 
interest of the narrative. It bears us along as on a jstream whose current 
varies in direction, but never loses its force.'''— Saturday Review. 

In Freedom’s Cause : A Story of Wallace and Bruce. ByG. A. 

Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 

12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

In this story the author relates the stirring tale of the Scottish 
War of Independence. The extraordinary valor and personal 
prowess of Wallace and Bruce rival the deeds of the mythical 
heroes of chivalry, and indeed at one time Wallace was ranked 
with these legendary personages. The researches of modarn 
historians have shown, however, that he was a living, breath \jg 
man — and a valiant champion. The hero of the tale fought under 
both Wallace and Bruce, and while the strictest historical accuracy 
has been maintained with respect to public events, the work is 
full of “hairbreadth ’scapes ” and wild adventure. 

“ It is written in the author’s best style. Full of the wildest and most re- 
markable achievements, it is a tale of great interest, which a boy, once he has 
begun it, will not wilUngly put on one side.”— 27ie Schoolmaster, 


A. L. BtjRt^g PUBLICATIONS. 




With Lee in Virginia: A Story of the American Civil War. By 
G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon 

Browne. 12ino, cloth, price $1.00. 

The story of a young Virginian planter, who, after bravely 
proving his sympathy with the slaves of brutal masters, serves 
with no less courage and enthusiasm under Lee and Jackson 
through the most e-sciting events of the struggle. He has many 
hairbreadth escapes, is seve-al times wounded and twice taken 
prisoner; but his courage and readiness and, in two cases, the 
devotion of a black servant and a runaway slave whom he had 
assisted, bring him safely througn all difficulties. 

“ One of the best stories for lads which Mr. Henty has yet written. The 
picture is full of life and color, and the stirring and romantic incidents are 
skillfully blended with the personal interest and charm of the story.” — 
Standard. 

By England’s Aid ; or. The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585- 

1604). By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by 

Alfred Pearse, and Maps. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

The story of two English lads who go to Holland as pages in 
the service of one of “ the fighting Veres.” After many adven- 
tures by sea and land, one of the lads 6nds himself on board a 
Spanish ship at the time of the defeat of the Armada, and escapes 
only to fall into the hands of the Corsairs. He is successful in 
getting back to Spain under the protection of a wealthy merchant 
and regains his native country after the capture of Cadiz. 

“ It is an admirable book for youngsters. It overflows with stirring inci- 
dent and exciting adventure, and the color of the era and of the scene are 
finely reproduced. The illustrations add to its attractiveness.”— i?os<on 
Gazette. 

By Right of Conquest ; or, With Cortez in Mexico. By G. A. 

Henty. With full-page Illustrations by W. S. Stacey, and 

Two Maps. 12mo, cloth, price $1.50. 

The conquest of Mexico by a small band of resolute men under 
the magnificent leadership of Cortez is always rightly ranked 
among the most romantic and daring exploits in history. With 
this as the groundwork of his story Mr. Henty has interwiwen the 
adventures of an English youth, Roger Hawkshaw, the sole sur- 
vivor of the good ship Swan, which had sailed from a Devon port 
to challenge the mercantile supremacy o the Spaniards in the 
New World. He is beset by many perils among the natives, but 
is saved by his own judgment and strength, and by the devotion 
of an Aztec princes-’. At last by a ruse he obtains the protection 
of the Spaniards, and after the fall of Mexico hs succeeds in re- 
gaining his native shore, with a fortune and a charming Aztec 
bride. 

“ ‘ By Right of Conquest ’ is the nearest approach to a perfectly successful 
historical tale that Mr. Henty has yet published.”— Hcademy. 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


A 


In the Reign of Terror : The Adventures of a Westminster Boy. 
By Q. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by J. Schon- 
BERG. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Harry Sandwith, a Westminster boy, becomes a resident at the 
chateau of a French marquis, and aftf r various adventures accom- 
panies the family to Paris at the crisis of the Revolution. Im- 
prisonment and death reduce tbeir number, and the hero finds 
himself beset by perils with the three young daughters of the 
house in his charge. After hairbreadth escapes they reach Nan- 
tes. There the ^iirls are condemned to death in the coffin-shipSj 
but are saved by the unfailing courage of their boy protector. 

“ Harry Sandwith, the Westminster boy, may fairly be said to beat Mr. 
Henty’s record. His adventures will delight boys by the audacity and peril 
they depict. . . . The story is one of Mr. Henty’s hest.^—iSlaturday 
Review. 

With Wolfe in Canada ; or. The Winning of a Continent. By 
G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon 
Browne. 12ino, cloth, price $1.00. 

In the present volume Mr. Henty gives an account of the strug- 
gle between Britain and France for supremacy in the North 
American continent. On the issue of this war depended not only 
the destinies of North America, but to a large extent those of the 
mother countries themselves. The fall of Quebec decided that 
the Anglo-Saxon race should predominate in the New World; 
that Britain, and not France, should take the lead among the 
nations of Europe; and that English and American commerce, the 
English language, and English literature, should spread right 
round the globe. 

“ It n not only a lesson in history as instructively as it is graphically told, 
but also a deeply interesting and often thrilling tale of adventure and peril by 
flood and field.”— iiZttsfrafed London News, 

True to the Old Flag: A Tale of the American War of Inde- 
pendence. By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by 
Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

In this story the author has gone to the accounts of officers who 
took part in the conflict, and lads will And that in no war in which 
American and British soldiers have been engaged did they behave 
with greater courage and good conduct. The historical portion of 
the book being accompanied with numerous thrilling adventures 
with the redskins on the shores of Lai<e Huron, a story of exciting 
interest is interwoven with the general narrative and carried 
through the book. 

“ Does justice to the pluck and determination of the British soldiers Uuring 
the unfortunate struggle against American emancipation. The son of an 
American loyalist, who remains true to our flag, falls among the hostile red- 
skins in that very Hiiron country which has been endeared to us by the ex- 
ploits of Hawkeye and Chingachgook.”— 27ie Times, 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


6 


The Lion of St. Mark: A Tale of Venice in the Fourteenth 

Century. By Q. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by 
Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

A story of Venice at a period when her strength and splendor 
were put to the severest tests. The hero displays a fine sense and 
manliness which carry him safely through an atmosphere of in- 
trigue, crime, and bloodshed. He contributes largely to the vic- 
tories of the Venetians at Porto d’Anzo and Chioggia, and finally 
wins the hand of the daughter of one of the chief men of Venice. 

‘ Every boy should read ‘ The Lion of St. Mark.’ Mr. Henty nas never pro^ 
duced a story more delightful, more wholesome, or more vivacious.” — Satur- 
day Review. 

A Final Reckoning: A Tale of Bush Life in Australia. By G. Ac 

Henty. With full-page Illustrations by W. B. Wollen, 

12mo, cloth, price $1.00, 

The hero, a young English lad. after rather a stormy boyhood, 
emigrates to Australia, and gets employment as an officer in the 
mounted police. A few years of active work on the frontier, 
where he has many a brush with both natives and bushrangers, 
gain him promotion to a captaincy, and he eventually settles 
down to the peaceful life of a squatter. 

” Mr. Henty has never published a more readable, a more carefully con- 
structed, or a better written story than this.” — Spectator. 

Under Drake’s Flag : A Tale of the Spanish Main. By G. .A. 

Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 

12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

A story of the days when England and Spain struggled for the 
supremacy of the sea. The heroes sail as lads with Dralve in the 
Pacific expedition, and in his great voyage of circumnavigation. 
The historical portion of the story is absolutely to be relied upon, 
but this will perhaps be less attractive than the great variety of 
exciting adventure through which the young heroes pass in the 
course of their voyages. 

“ A book of adventure, where the hero meets with experience enough, one 
would think, to turn his hair gray.” — Harper's Monthly Magazine. 

By Sheer Pluck : A Tale of the Ashanti War. By G. A. Henty. 

With full- page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 12mo, 

cloth, price $1.00. 

The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the de-^ 
tails of the Ashanti campaign, of which he was himself a witness. 
His hero, after -many exciting adventure.'? in the interior, is de- 
tained a prisoner by the king just before the outbreak of the war, 
but escapes, and accompanies the English expedition on their 
march to Coomassie. 

“ Mr. Henty keeps up his reputation as a writer of boys’ stories. ‘ By 6heer 
Bluck ’ will be eagerly vend."—Athen(x,uni. 


6 


A. L. fititlt’S PUBLICATIONI:^. 


By Pike and Dyke : A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic. 
By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Maynard 
Brown, and 4 Maps. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

In this story Mr. Henty traces the adventures and brave deeds 
of an English boy in the household of the ablest man of his age — 
William the Silent. Edward Martin, the son of an English sea- 
captain, enters the service of the Prince as a volunteer, and is em- 
ployed by him in many dangerous and responsible missions, in the 
discharge of which he passes through the great sieges of the time. 
He ultimately settles down as Sir Edward Martin. 

“ Boys with a turn for historical research will be enchanted with the book 
while the rest who only care for adventure.will be students in spite of them 
selves.”— St. James' Gazette. 

St. George for England : A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. By 
G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon 
Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

No portion of English history is more crowded with great events 
than that of the reign of Edward III. Cressy and Poitiers; the 
destruction of the Spanish fleet; the plague of the Black Death; 
ti e Jacquerie rising; these are treated by the author in “ St. 
George for England.” The hero of the story, although of good 
family, begins life as a London apprentice, but after countless ad. 
ventures and perils becomes by valor and good conduct the squire, 
and at last the trusted friend of the Black Prince. 

“ Mr. Henty has developed for himself a type of historical novel for boys 
which bids fair to supplement, on their behalf, the historical labors of Sir 
Walter Scott in the land of fiction .” — The Standard. 

Captain’s Kidd’s Gold: TheTrueStory of an Adventurous Sailor 
Boy. By James Franklin Fitts. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
There is something fascinating to the average youth in tbe very 
idea of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy 
Portuguese and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming 
^ eyes — sinister-looking fellows who once on a time haunted the 
Spanish Main, sneaking out from some hidden creek in their long, 
low schooner, of picaroonisb rake and sheer, to attack an unsus- 
pecting trading craft. There were many famous sea rovers in 
their day, but none more celebrated than Capt. Kidd. Perhaps 
the most fascinating t.<fle of all is Mr. Fitts’ true story of an adven 
turous American boy, who receives from his dying father an 
ancient bit of vellum, which the latter obtained in a curious way. 
The document bears obscure directions purporting to locate a cer 
tain island in the Bahama group, and a considerable treasure 
buried there by two of Kidd’s crew. The hero of this book, 
Paul Jones Garry, is an ambitious, persevering lad, of salt-water 
New England ancestry, and bis efforts to reach the island and 
secure the money form one of the most absorbing tales for our 
youth that has come from the press. 


A. L. :6tjtlT’S PUBLICATIONS. 




Captain Bayley’s Heir: A Tale of the Gold Fields of California. 

l^y G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by H. M. 

?AGET. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

A frank, manly lad and his cousin are rivals in the heirship of a 
CO si 1 arable property. The former falls into a trap laid by the 
iattet, ftnd while under a false accusation of theft foolishly leaves 
Eiig land for America. He works his passage before the mast, 
joins a small band of hunters, crosses a tract of country infested 
with Indians to the Californian gold diggings, and is successful 
both as digger and trader. 

“Mr. Henty is careful to mingle instruction with entertainment; and the 
humorous touches, especially in the sketch of John Holl, the Westminster 
dustman, Dickens himself could hardly have excelled.”— C/irisfian Leader. 

For Name and Fame ; or. Through Afghan Passes. By G. A. 

Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 

12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

An interesting story of the last war in Afghanistan. The hero, 
after being wrecked and going through many stirring adventures 
among the Malays, finds his way to Calcutta and enlists in a regi- 
ment proceeding to join the army at the Afghan passes. He ac- 
companies the force under General Roberts to the Peiwar Kotal, 
is wounded, taken prisoner, carried to Cabul, whence he is trans- 
ferred to Candahar, and takes part in the final defeat of the army 
of Ayoub Khan. 

“The best feature of the book— apart from the interest of its scenes of ad- 
venture— is its honest effort to do justice to the patriotism of the Afghan 
people.”— News. 

Captured by Apes : The Wonderful Adventures of a Young 

Animal Trainer. By Harry Prentice. 12mo, cloth, $1.00. 

The scene of this tale is laid on an island in the Malay Archi- 
pelago. Philip Garland, a young animal collector and trainer, of 
New York, sets sail for Eastern seas in quest of a new stock of 
living curiosities. The vessel is wrecked off the coast of Borneo 
and young Garland, the sole survivor of the disaster, is cast ashore 
on a small island, and captured by the apes that overrun the 
place. The lad discovers that the ruling spirit of the monkey 
tribe is a gigantic and vicious baboon, whom he identifies as 
Goliah, an animal at one time in his possession and with whose 
instruction he had been especially diligent. The brute recognizes 
him, and with a kind of malignant satisfaction puts his former 
master through the same course of training he had himself ex- 
perienced with a faithfulness of detail which shows how astonish- 
ing is monkey recollection. Very novel indeed is the way hy 
which the young man escapes death. Mr. Prentice has certainly 
worked a new vein on juvenile fiction, and the ability with which 
he handles a difficult subject stamps him as a writer of undoubted 
skill- 


8 


A. L. BITHT’S PTTBLICATIONS. 


The Bravest of the Brave ; or, With Peterborough in Spain. 

By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by H. M. 

Paget, 12uin, cloth, price $1.00. 

There are few great leaders whose lives and actions have so 
completely fallen into oblivion as those of the Earl of Peter- 
borough. This is largely due to the fact that they were ever- 
shadowed by the glory and successes of Marlborough. His cf reer 
as general extended over little more than a year, and yet, in .hat 
time, he showed a genius for warfare which has never been sur- 
passed. 

“Mr. Henty never loses sight of the moral purpose of his work— to enforce 
the doctrine of courage and truth. Lads will read ‘ The Bravest of the Brave * 
With pleasure and profit; of that we are quite sure."— Daily Telegraph. 

The Cat of Bubastes : A Story of Ancient Egypt. By G. A. 

Henty. With full page Illustrations. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

A story which will give young readers an unsurpassed insight 
into the customs of the Egyptian people. Amuba, a prince of the 
Rebu nation, is carried with his charioteer Jethro into slavery. 
They become inmates of the house of Ameres, the Egyptian high- 
]) iest, and are happy in his service until the priest’s son acci- 
dentally kills the sacred cat of Bubastes. In an outburst of popular 
fury Ameres is killed, and it rests with Jethro and Amuba to 
secure the escape of the high-priest’s son and daughter. 

“ The story, from the critical moment of the killing of the sacred cat to the 
perilous exodus into Asia with which it closes, is very skillfully constructed 
and full of exciting adventures. It is admirably illustrated. ’’—Safwrrfai/ 
Review. 

With Washington at Monmouth : A Story of Three Phila- 
delphia Boys. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Three Philadelphia boys, Seth Graydon “whose mother con- 
ducted a boarding-house wdiich was patronized by the British 
officers;” Enoch Ball, “son of that Mrs. Ball whose df.ncing 
school was situated on Letitia Street,” and little Jacob, : on of 
“ Chris, the Baker,” serve as the principal characters. The 
story is laid during the winter when Lord Howe held possession 
of the city, and the lads aid the cause by a-^sisting the American 
spies who make regular and frequent visits from Valley Forge. 
One reads here of home-life in the captive city when bread was 
scarce among the people of the lower classes, and a reckless prodi- 
gality shown by the British officers, who passed the winter in 
feasting and merry-making while the members of the patriot army 
but a few miles away w^ere suffering from both cold and hunger. 
The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life skillfully 
drawn, and the glimpses of Washington’s soldiers which are given 
show that the work has not been hastily done, or without coa^ 
siderable study. 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


9 


For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. 
Henty. With full-page Illustrations by S. J. Solomon. 12mo, 
cloth, price $1.00. 

Mr. Henty here weaves into the record of Josephus an admirable 
and attractive story. The troubles in the district of Tiberias, the 
march of the legions, the sieges of Jotapata, of Gamala, and of 
Jerusalem, form the impressive and carefully studied historic 
setting to the figure of the lad who passes from the vineyard to 
the service of Josephus, becomes the leader of a guerrilla baud of 
patriots, fights bravely for the Temple, and after a brief term of 
slavery at Alexandria, returns to his Galilean home with the favor 
of Titus. 

“Mr. Henty ’s graphic prose pictures of the hopeless Jewish resistance to 
Roman sway add another leaf to his record of the famous wars of the world.” 
—Oraphic. 

Facing Death ; or. The Hero of the Vaughan Pit. A Tale of 
the Coal Mines. By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustra- 
tions by Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“Facing Death” is a .story with a purpose. It is intended to 
show that a lad who makes up his mind firmly and resolutely that 
he will rise in life, and who is prepared to face toil and ridicule 
and hardship to carry out his determination, is sure to succeed. 
The hero of the story is a typical British boy, dogged, earnest, 
generous, and though “ shamefaced” to a degree, is ready to face 
death in the discharge of duty. 

“The tale is well written and well illustrated, and there is much reality in 
the characters. If any father, clergyman, or schoolmaster is on the lookout 
for a good book to give as a present to a boy who is worth his salt, this is the 
book we would recommend.”— 

Tom Temple’s Career. By Horatio Alger. 12mo, cloth, 
price $1.00. 

Tom Temple, a bright, self-reliant lad, by the death of his 
father becomes a boarder at the home of Nathan Middleton, a 
penurious insurance agent. Though well paid for keeping the 
boy, Nathan and his wife endeavor to bring Master Tom in line 
with their parsimonious habits. The lad ingeniously evades their 
efforts and revolutionizes the household. As Tom is heir to 
$40,000, he is regarded as a person of some importance until by 
an unfortunate combination of circumstances his fortune shrinks 
to a few hundreds. He leaves Plympton village to seek work in 
New York, whence he undertakes an important mission to Cali- 
fornia, around which center the most exciting incidents of his 
young career. Some of his adventures in the far west are so 
startling that the reader will scarcely close the book until the Iasi 
page shall have been reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger’s 
most fascinating style, and is bound to please the very large class 
of boys who regard this popular author as a prime favorite. 


10 


A. L, BURT’S PUBLICATIONf^. 


Maori and Settler: A Story of tlie New Zealand War. By 
G. A. Henty. With fulLpage Illustrations by Alfred Pearse 

12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

The Renshaws emigrate to New Zealand during the period of 
the war with the natives. Wilfrid, a strong, self-reliant, coura- 
geous lad, is the mainstay of the household. He has for his friend 
Mr. Atherton, a botanist and naturalist of herculean strength and 
unfailing nerve and humor. In the adventures among the Maoris, 
there are many breathless moments in which the odds seem hope' 
lessly against the party, but they succeed in establishing them 
selves happily in one of the pleasant New Zealand valleys. 

“Brimful of adventure, of humorous and interesting conversation, and 
vivid pictures of colonial life."— Schoolmaster. 

Julian Mortimerj: A Brave Boy’s Struggle for Home and Fortune. 

By Harry Castlemon. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Here is a story that will warm every boy’s heart. There is 
mystery enough to keep any lad’s imagination wound up to the 
highest pitch. The scene of the story lies west of the Mississippi 
River, in the days when emigrants made their perilous way across 
the great plains to the land of gold. One of the startling features 
of the book is the attack upon the wagon train by a large party of 
Indians. Our hero is a lad of uncommon nerve and pluck, a brave 
young American in every sense of the word. He enlists and holds 
the reader’s sympathy from the outset. Surrounded by an un- 
known and constant peril, and assisted by the unswerving fidelity 
of a stalwart trapper, a real rough diamond, our hero achieves the 
most happy results. Harry Castlemon has written many enter- 
taining stories for boys, and it would seem almost superfluous to 
say anything in his praise, for the youth of America regard him 
as a favorite author. 

“Carrots:” Just a Little Boy. By Mrs. Molesworth. With 

Illustrations by Walter Crane. 12mo, cloth, price 75 centSo 

“ One of the cleverest and most pleasing stories it has been our good for^ 
tune to meet with for some time. Carrots and his sister are delightful little 
beings, whom to read about is at once to become very fond of ."—Examiner. 

“A genuine children’s book; we’ve seen ’em seize it, and read it greedily. 
Children are first-rate critics, and thoroughly appreciate Walter Crane’s 
illustrations. ’ '—Punch. 

Mopsa the Fairy. By Jean Ingelow. With Eight pag« 

Illustrations. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ Mrs. Ingelow is, to our mind, the most charming of all living writers for 
children, and ‘ Mopsa’ alone ought to give her a kind of pre-emptive right to 
the love and gratitude of our young folks. It requires genius to conceive a 
purely imaginary work which must of necessity deal with the supernatural, 
without running into a mere riot of fantastic absurdity; but genius Miss In- 
gelow has and the story of ‘ Jack ’ is as careless and joyous, but as delicate 
»s a picture of childhood. ’’-—jffdecftc. 


A, T.. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


11 


A Jaunt Through Java: The Story of a Journey to the Sacred 
Mountain. By Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
The central interest of this story is found in the thrilling ad- 
ventures of two cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their 
trip across the island of Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Moun- 
tain. In a land where the Royal Bengal tiger runs at large; 
where the rhinoceros and other fierce beasts are to be met with 
at unexpected moments; it is but natural that the heroes of this 
book should have a lively experience. Hermon not only dis- 
tinguishes himself by killing a full-grown tiger at short range, 
but meets with the most startling adventure of the journey. 
T-'here is much in this narrative to instruct as well ar* entertain the 
reader, and so deftly has Mr. Ellis used his material that there is 
not a dull page in the book. The two heroes are brave, manly 
young fellows, bubbling over with boyish independence. They 
cope with the many difficulties that arise during the trip in a fear- 
less way that is bound to win the admiration of every lad who is 
so fortunate as to read their adventures. 

Wrecked on Spider Island; or. How Ned Rogers Found the 
Treasure. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

A “ down-east” plucky lad who ships as cabin boy, not from 
love of adventure, but because it is the only course remaining by 
which he can gain a livelihood. While in his bunk, seasick, 
Ned Rogers hears the captain and mate discussing their plans for 
the willful wreck of the brig in order to gain the insurance. Once 
it is known he is in possession of the secret the captain maroons 
him on Spider Island, explaining to the crew that the boy is 
afflicted with leprosy. While thus involuntarily playing the part 
of a Crusoe, Ned discovers a wreck submerged in the sand, and 
overhauling the timbers for the purpose of gathering material 
with which to build a hut finds a considerable amount of treasure. 
Raising the wreck; a voyage to Havana under sail; shipping there 
a crew and running for Savannah; the attempt of the crew to 
seize the little craft after learning of the treasure on board, and, 
as a matter of course, the successful ending of the journey, all 
serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most 
captious boy could desire. 

Geoff and Jim : A Story of School Life. By Ismay Thorn, II 
lustrated by A. G. Walker. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ This Is a prettily told story of the life spent by two motherlees bairns at 
a small preparatory school. Both Geoff and Jim are very lovable characters, 
only Jim is the more so; and the scrapes he gets into and the trials he en- 
dures will, no doubt, interest a large circle of young readers.”— C/iwrc/i 
Times. 

‘‘This is a capital children’s story, the characters well portrayed, and the 
book tastefully bound and well illustrated.”— -Sc7iooZma.sfer. 

‘‘The story can be heartily recommended as a present for boys.”— 
Standard. 


12 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


The Castaways ; or, On the Florida Reefs. By James Otis. 
12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

This tale smacks of the salt sea. It is just the kind of story 
that the majority of boys yearn for. From the moment that the 
Sea Queen dispenses with the services of the tug in lower New 
York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off the coast of 
Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind through her 
rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to thj 
leeward, and feel her rise to the snow-capped waves which her 
sharp bow cuts into twin streaks of foam. Off Marquesas Keys 
she floats in a dead calm. Ben Clark, the hero of the story, and 
Jake, the cook, spy a turtle asleep upon the glassy surface of the 
water. They determine to capture him, and take a boat for that 
purpose, and just as they succeed in catching him a thick fog 
cuts them off from the vessel, and then their troubles be in. 
They take refuge on board a drifting hulk, a storm arises and they 
are cast ashore upon a low sandy key. Their adventures from 
this point cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young 
people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite. His style is captivating, and 
never for a moment does he allow the interest to flag. In “ The 
Castaways ” he is at his best. 

Tom Thatcher’s Fortune. By Horatio Alger, Jr. ’ 12mo, 
cloth, price $1.00. 

Like all of Mr. Alger’s heroes, Tom Thatcher is a brave, am- 
bitious, unselfish boy. He supports his mother and sister on 
meager wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John Simpson’s factory. 
The story begins with Tom’s discharge from the factory, because 
Mr. Simpson felt annoyed with the lad for interrogating him too 
closely about his missing father. A few days afterward Tom 
learns that which induces him to start overland for California with 
the view of probing the family mystery. He meets with many ad- 
ventures. Ultimately he returns to his native village, bringing con- 
sternation to the soul of John Simpson, who only escapes the con- 
sequences of his villainy by making full restitution to the man 
whose friendship he had betrayed. The story is told in that en- 
tertaining way which has made Mr. Alger’s name a household 
word in so many homes. 

Birdie ; A Tale of Child lafe. By H. L. Childe-Pemberton 
Illustrated by H. W. Rainey. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ The story is quaint and simple, but there is a freshness about it that 
makes one hear again the ringing laugh and the cheery shout of ciJidren at 
play which charmed his earlier years. ” — New York Express. 

Popular Fairy Tales. By the Brothers Grimm. I^rofusely 
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“ From first to last, almost without exception, these stories are (tiluthtful.” 
'-Athenc&um, 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


13 


With Lafayette at Yorktown: A Story of How Two Boys 
Joined the Continental Army. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, 
price $1.00. 

The two boys are from Portsmouth, N. H., and are introduced 
in August, 1781, when on the point of leaving home to enlist in 
Col. Scammell’s regiment, then stationed near New York City. 
Their method of traveling is on horseback, and the author has 
given an interesting account of what was expected from boys in 
the Colonial days. The lads, after no slight amount of adventure, 
are sent as messengers — not soldiers — into the south to find the 
troops under Lafayette. Once with that youthful general they 
are given employment as spies, and- enter the British camp, 
bringing away valuable information. The pictures of camp-life 
are carefully drawn, and the portrayal of Lafayette’s character is 
thoroughly well done. The story is wholesome in tone, as are all 
of Mr. Otis’ works. There is no lack of exciting incident which 
the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful excitement brim- 
ming with facts which every boy should be familiar with, and 
while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffreys and 
Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will 
remain in his memory long after that which he has memorized 
from text-books has been forgotten. 

Lost in the Canon : Sam Willett’s Adventures on the Great 
Colorado. By Alfred R. Calhoun. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
This story hinges on a fortune left to Sam Willett, the hero, 
and the fact that it will pass to a disreputable relative if the lad 
dies before he shall have reached his majority. The Vigilance 
Committee of Hurley’s Gulch arrest Sam’s father and an associate 
for the crime of murder. Their lives depend on the production 
of the receipt given for money paid. This is in Sam’s possession 
at the camp on the other side of the canon. A messenger is dis- 
patched to get it. He reaches the lad in the midst of a fearful 
storm which floods the canon. His father’s peril urges Sam to 
action. A raft is built on which the boy and his friends essay to 
cross the torrent. They fail to do so, and a desperate trip down 
the stream ensues. How the party finally escape from the hor- 
rors of their situation and Sam reaches Hurley’s Gulch in the very 
nick of time, is described in a graphic style that stamps Mr. CaL 
houn as a master of his art. 

Jack : A Topsy Turvy Story. By C. M. Crawley-Boevey. 
With upward of Thirty Illustrations by H. J. A. Miles. 
12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ The illustrations deserve particular mention, as they add largely to the 
interest of this amusing volume for children. Jack falls asleep with his mind 
full of the subject of the fishpond, and is very much surprised presently to 
find himself an inhabitant of Waterworld, where he goes though wonderful 
and edifying adventures. A handsome and pleasant book. ’’—Liferary World- 


14 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


Search for the Silver City : A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. 

By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Two American lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark 
on the steam yacht Day Dream for a short summer cruise to the 
tropics. Homeward bound the yacht is destroyed by fire. All 
hands take to the boats, but during the night the boat is cast upon 
the coast of Yucatan. They come across a young American 
named Cummings, who entertains them with the story of the 
wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians. Cum- 
mings proposes with the aid of a faithful Indian ally to brave 
the perils of the swamp and carry off a number of the golden 
images from the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor for days 
their situation is desperate. At last their escape is effected in an 
astonishing manner. Mr. Otis has built his story on an historical 
foundation. It is so full of exciting incidents that the reader is 
quite carried away with the novelty and realism of the narrative. 

Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, 

cloth, price $1.00. 

Thrown upon his own resources Frank Fowler, a poor boy, 
bravely determines to make a living for himself and his foster- 
sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a situation as cash 
boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a wealthy old 
gentleman named Wharton, who takes a fancy to the lad. Frank, 
after losing his place as cash boy, is enticed by an enemy to a 
lonesome part of New Jersey and held a prisoner. This move re- 
coils upon the plotter, for it leads to a clue that enables the lad to 
establish his real identity. Mr- Alger’s stories are not only un- 
usually interesting, but they convey a useful lesson of pluck and 
manly independence. 

Budd Boyd’s Triumph ; or, the Boy Firm of Fox Island. By 

William P. Chipman. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

The scene of this story is laid on the upper part of Narragansett 
Bay, and the leading incidents have a strong salt-water flavor. 
Owing to the conviction of his father for forgery and theft, Budd 
Boyd is compelled to leave his home and strike out for himself. 
Chance brings Budd in contact with Judd Floyd. The two boys, 
being ambitious and clear sighted, form a partnership to catch 
and sell fish. The scheme is successfully launched, but the un- 
expected appearance on the scene of Thomas Bagsley, the man 
whom Budd believes guilty of the crimes attributed to his father, 
leads to several disagreeable complications that nearly caused the 
lad’s ruin. His pluck and good sense, however, carry him through 
his troubles. In following the career of the boy firm of Boyd & 
Floyd, the youthful reader will find a useful lesson — that industry 
and perseverance are bound to lead to ultimate success. 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


15 


The Errand Boy ; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By 

Hohatio Alger, Jr, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

The career of “ The Errand Boy” embraces the city adventures 
of a smart country lad who at an early age was abandoned by his 
father. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper 
named Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the 
hero’s subsequent troubles. Accident introduces him to the 
notice of a retired merchant in New York, who not only secures 
him the situation of errand boy but thereafter stands as his 
friend. An unexpected turn of fortune’s wheel, how^ever, brings 
Philip and his father together. In “The Errand Boy” Philip 
Brent is possessed of the same sterling qualities so conspicuous in 
all of the previous creations of this delightful writer for our youth. 

The Slate Picker : The Story of a Boy’s Life in the Coal Mines. 

By Harry Prentice. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

This is a story of a boy’s life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. 
There are many thrilling situations, notably that of Ben Burton’s 
leap into the “ lion’s mouth ” — the yaw'uing shute in the breakers 
— to escape a beating at the hands of the savage Spilkins, the 
overseer. Gracie Gordon is a little angel in rags, Terence O’DowM 
is a manly, sympathetic lad, and Enoch Evans, the miner-poet, is 
a big-hearted, honest fellow, a true friend to all whose bur- 
dens seem too heavy for them to bear. Ben Burton, the hero, had 
a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy he advanced step by 
step until he found himself called upon to fill the position of 
chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. 

A Runaway Brig ; or. An Accidental Cruise. By James Otis. 

12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“ A Runaw’ay Brig ” is a sea tale, pure and simple, and that’s 
where it strikes a boy’s fancy. The reader can look out upon 
the wide shimmering sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and 
imagine himself afloat with Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim 
Libby and that old shell-back. Bob Brace, on the brig Bonita, 
which lands on one of the Bahama keys. Finally three strangers 
steal the craft, leaving the rightful owners to shift for themselves 
aboard a broken-down tug. The boys discover a mysterious 
document which enables them to find a buried treasure, then a 
storm comes on and the tug is stranded. At last a yacht comes in 
sight and the party with the treasure is taken off the” lonely key. 
The most exacting youth is sure to be fascinated with this enter- 
taining story. 

Fairy Tales and Stories. By Hans Christian Andersen. 

Profusely Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“ If I were asked to select a child’s library I should name these three volumes 
‘English,’ ‘ Celtic,’ and ‘Indian Fairy Tales,’ with Grimm and Hans Ander- 
ses ’s Fairy Independent. 


16 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


The Island Treasure ; or, Harry Darrel’s Fortune. By Frank 

H. Converse. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Harry Darrel, an orphan, having received a nautical training on 
a school-ship, is bent on going to sea with a boyish acquaintance 
named Dan Plunket. A runaway horse changes his prospects. 
Harry saves Dr, Gregg from drowning and the doctor presents his 
preserver with a bit of property known as Gregg’s Island, and 
makes the lad sailing-master of bis sloop yacht. A piratical hoard 
is supposed t© be hidden somewhere on the island. After much 
search and many thwarted plans, at last Dan discovers the 
treasure and is the means of finding Harry’s father. Mr. Con- 
verse’s stories possess a charm of thbir own which is appreciated 
by lads who delight in good healthy tales that smack of salt 
water. 

The Boy Explorers: The Adventures of Two Boys in Alaska. 

By Harry Prentice. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Two boys, Raymond and Spencer Manning, travel from San 
Francisco to Alaska to join their father in search of their uncle, 
who, it is believed, was captured and detained by the inhabitants 
of a place called the “ Heart of Alaska.” On their arrival at 
Sitka the boys with an Indian guide set off across the mountains. 
'I'lie trip is fraught with perils that test the lads’ courage to the 
utmost. Reaching the Yukon River they build a raft and float 
down the stream, entering the Mysterious River, from which they 
barely escape with their lives, only to be captured by natives of 
the Heart of Alaska. All through their exciting adventures the 
lads demonstrate what can be accomplished by pluck and resolu- 
tion, and their experience makes one of the most interesting tales 
ever written. 

The Treasure Finders : A Boy’s Adventures in Nicaragua. By 

James Otis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their 
father’s indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient 
city. The boys eagerly explore the dismantled temples of an ex- 
tinct race and discover three golden images cunningly hidden 
away. They escape with the greatest difficulty; by taking advan- 
tage of a festive gathering they seize a canoe and fly down the 
river. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. 
Mr. Otis is the prince of story tellers, for he handles his material 
with consummate skill. We doubt if he has ever written a more 
entertaining story than “ The Treasure Finders.” 

Household Fairy Tales. By the Brothers Grimm. Profusely 

Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“ As a collection of fairy tales to delight children of all ages this work 
ranks second to none .” — Daily Graphic. 


A. L. BURrS PUBLICATIONS. 


n 


Dan the Newsboy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, 
price $1.00. 

The reader is introduced to Dan Mordaunt and his mother living 
in a poor tenement, and the lad is pluckily trying to make ends 
meet by selling papers in the streets of* New York. A little 
heiress of six years is confided to the care of the Mordaunts. At 
tbe same time the lad obtains a position in a wholesale house. 
He soon demonstrates how valuable he is to the firm by detecting 
the bookkeeper in a bold attempt to rob his employers. The 
^ child is kidnaped and Dan tracks the child to the house where 
she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little 
heiress is so delighted with Dan’s courage and many good qualities 
that she adopts him as her heir, and the conclusion of the book 
leaves the hero on the high road to every earthly desire. 

Tony the Hero : A Brave Boy’s Adventure with a Tramp. By 
Horatio Alger, -Jr. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control 
of Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal, shiftless and lazy, spending 
his time tramping about the country. After much abuse Tony 
runs away and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is 
heir to a large estate in England, and certain persons find it nec- 
essary to produce proof of the lad’s death. Rudolph for a con- 
sideration hunts up Tony and throws him down a deep well. Of 
course Tony escapes from the fate provided for him, and by a 
brave act makes a rich friend, with whom he goes to England, 
where he secures his rights and is prosperous. The fact that Mr. 
Alger is the author of this entertaining book will at once recom- 
mend it to all juvenile readers. 

A Young Hero; or. Fighting to Win. By Edward S. Ellis. 
12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen 
from the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded 
ladies. Fred Sheldon, the hero of this story and a friend of the 
»ld ladies, undertakes to discover the thieves and have them ar- 
rested. After much time spent in detective work, he succeeds in 
discovering the silver plate and winning the reward for its re- 
storation. During the narrative a circus comes to town and a 
thrilling account of the escape of the lion from its cage, with its 
recapture, is told in Mr. Ellis’ most fascinating style. Every 
boy will be glad to read this delightful book. 

The Days of Bruce: A Story from Scottish History. By Grace 
Aguilar. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“ There is a delightful freshness, sincerity and vivacity about all of Grace 
Aguilar’s stories which cannot fail to win the interest and admiration of 
every lover of good reading.”— Beacon. 


A, L. BURT’S PUBLICATION'S. 


IS 


Tom the Bootblack; or, The Road to Success. By Horatio 

Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the bootblack. He was 
not at all ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the 
lookout to better himself. His guardian, old Jacob Morton, died, 
leaving him a small sum of money and a written confession that 
Tom, instead of being of humble origin, was the son and heir of 
a deceased Western merchant, and had been defrauded out of his 
just rights by an unscrupulous uncle. The lad started for Cin- 
cinnati to look up his heritage. But three years passed away 
before he obtained his first clue. Mr. Grey, the uncle, did not 
hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad. The plan failed, and 
Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a comfortable 
fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger’s best stories. 

Captured by Zulus : A story of Trapping in Africa. By Harrt? 

Prentice. 12mo, cloth, price $1.C0. 

This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth 
and Bob Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa, for the purpose of 
obtaining a supply of zoological curiosities. By stratagem the 
Zulus capture Dick and Bob and take them to their principal 
kraal or village. The lads escape death by digging their way 
out of the prison hut by night. They are pursued, and after a 
rough experience the boys eventually rejoin the expedition and 
take part in several wild animal hunts. The Zulus finally give 
up pursuit and the expedition arrives at the coast without further 
trouble. Mr. Prentice has a delightful method of blending fact 
with fiction. He tells exactly how wild-beast collectors secure 
specimens on their native stamping grounds, and these descrip- 
tions make very entertaining reading. 

Tom the Ready; or. Up from the Lowest. By Randolph 

Hill. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless, 
ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune’s ladder — the 
gate of the poorhouse — to wealth and the governorship of his 
native State. Thomas Seacomb begins life with a purpose. While 
yet a schoolboy he conceives and presents to the world the germ 
of the Overland Express Co. At the very outset of his career 
jealousy and craft seek to blast his promising future. Later he 
sets out to obtain a charter for a railroad line in connection with 
the express business. Now he realizes what it is to match him- 
self against capital. Yet he wins and the railroad is built. Only 
an uncommon nature like Tom’s could successfully oppose such a 
combine. How he manages to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill 
in a masterful way that thrills the reader and holds his attention 
and sympathy to the end. 


A. L. BURT’S PUBIACATIONS. 


19 


Rcy Gilbert’s Search: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By Wm. P. 

CiiiPMAN. 12ino, cloth, price $1.00. 

A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert 
He arranges with two schoolmates to make a tour of the 
Great Lakes on a steam launch. The three boys leave Erie on 
the launch and visit many points of interest on the lakes. Soon 
afterward the lad is conspicuous in the rescue of an elderly gentle- 
man and a lady from a .sinking yacht. Later on the cruise of the 
launch is brought to a disastrous termination and the boys nar- 
rowdy escape with their lives. The hero is a manly, self-reliant 
boy, whose adventures will be followed with interest. 

The Young Scout; The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By 

Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the 
most terrible scourge of the southwest border. O’he author has 
woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo’s 
last raid. The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate 
of West Point. Ambitious to distinguish himself so as to w’in 
well-deserved promotion, the young man takes many a desperate 
chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion nar- 
row'ly escapes with his life. The story naturally abounds in 
thrilling situations, and being historically correct, it is reasonable 
to believe it will find great favor with the boys. In our opinion 
Mr. Ellis is the best writer of Indian stories now before the 
public. 

Adrift in the Wilds : The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked 

Boys. By Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, price, $1.00. 

Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence, cousins and school- 
mates, accompanied by a lively Irishman called O’Rooney, are en 
route for San Francisco. Off the coast of California the steamer 
takes fire. The two boys and their companion reach the shore 
with several of the passengers. While O’Rooney and the lads 
are absent inspecting the neighborhood O’Rooney has an excit- 
ing experience and young Brandon becomes separated from his 
party. He is captured by hostile Indians, but is rescued by an 
Indian whom the lads had assisted. This is a very entertaining 
narrative of Southern California in the days immediately preced- 
ing the construction of the Pacific railroads. Mr. Ellis seems to 
be particularly happy in this line of fiction, and the present story 
is fully as entertaining as anything he has ever written. 

The Red Fairy Book. Edited by Andrew Lang. Profusely 

Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“ A gift-book that will charm any child, and all older folk who have been 
fortunate enough to retain their taste for the old nursery stones,"— Literary 
World. 


A. L. BURT^S PUBLICATIONS. 


SO 


The Boy Cruisers ; or, Paddliug in Florida. By St, George 

Rathborne. 12mo, cloth, price, $1.00. 

Boys who like an admixture of sport and adventure will find 
this book just to their taste. We promise them that they will 
not go to sleep over the rattling experiences of Andrew George 
and Roland Carter, who start on a canoe trip along the Gulf 
coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure 
is with a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run 
into a gale in the Gulf and have a lively experience while it lasts. 
After that they have a lively time with alligators and divers 
varieties of the finny tribe. Andrew gets into trouble with a 
band of Seminole Indians and gets away without having his 
scalp raised. After this there is no lack of fun till they 
reach their destination. That Mr. Rathborne knows just how to 
interest the boys is apparent at a glance, and lads who are in 
search of a rare treat will do wxll to read this entertaining story. 

Guy Harris: The Runaway. By Harry Castlemon. 12mo, 

cloth, price $1.00. 

Guy Harris lived in a small city on the shore of one of the 
Great Lakes. His head became filled with quixotic notions of 
going West to hunt grizzlias, in fact, Indians. He is per- 
suaded to go to sea, and gets a glimpse of the rough side of life 
in a sailor’s I oarding house. He ships on a vessel and for five 
months leads a hard life. He deserts his ship at San Francisco 
and starts out to become a backwoodsman, but rough experiences 
soon cure him of all desire to be a hunter. At St. Louis he be- 
comes a clerk and for a time he yields to the temptations of a 
great city. The book will not only interest boys generally on 
account of its graphic style, but will put many facts before their 
eyes in a new light. This is one of Castlemon’s most attractive 
stories. 

The Train Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, price 

$ 1 . 00 . 

Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported 
his mother and sister by selling books and papers on one of the 
trains running between Chicago and Milwaukee. He detects a 
young man named Luke Denton in the act of picking the pocket 
of a young lady, and also incurs the enmity of his brother Ste- 
phen, a worthless follow. Luke and Stephen plot to ruin Paul, 
but their plans are frustrated. In a railway accident many pas- 
sengers are killed, but Paul is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago 
merchant, who out of gratitude takes him into his employ. Paul 
is sent to manage a mine in Custer City and executes his com- 
mission with tact and judgment and is well started on the road 
to business prominence. This is one of Mr. Alger’s most attrac- 
tive stories and is sure to please all readers. 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


SI 


Joe’s Luck : A Boy’s Adventures in California. By Horatiq 

Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Without a doubt Joe Mason was a lucky boy, but he deserved 
the golden chances that fell to his lot, for he had the pluck and 
ambition to push himself to the front. Joe had but one dollar in 
the world when he stood despondently on the California Mail 
Steamship Co.’s dock in New York watching the preparations in- 
( ident to the departure of the steamer. The same dollar was 
still Joe’s entire capital when he landed in the bustling town of 
tents and one-story cabins — the San Francisco of ’51, and inside 
of the week the boy was proprietor of a small restaurant earning a 
comfortable profit. The story is chock full of stirring incidents, 
while the amusing situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, 
from Pumpkin Hollow, and the fellow who modestly styles him- 
self the “Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike Co., Missouri.” Mr. Alger 
never writes a poor book, and “Joe’s Luck” is certainly one of 
his best. 

Three Bright Girls : A Story of Chance and Mischance. By 

Annie E. Armstrong. With full page Illustrations by W. 

Parkinson. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

By a sudden turn of fortune’s wheel the three heroines of this 
story are brought down from a household of lavish comfort to 
meet the incessant cares and worries of those who have to eke out 
a very limited income. And the charm of the story lies in the 
cheery helpfulness of spirit developed in the girls by their changed 
circumstances; while the author finds a pleasant ending to all 
their happy makeshifts. 

“ The story is charmingly told, and the book can be warmly recommended 
as a present for girls.” — Standard. 

Giannetta: A Girl’s Story of Herself. By Rosa Mulholland. 

With full-page Illustrations by Lockhart Bogle. 12mo, 

cloth, price $1.00. 

The daughter of a gentleman, who had married a poor Swiss 
girl, was stolen as an infant by some of her mother’s relatives. 
The child having died, they afterward for the sake of gain sub- 
stitute another child for it, and the changeling, after becoming 
a clever modeler of clay images, is suddenly transferred to the 
position of a rich heiress. She develops into a good and accom- 
plished woman, and though the imposture of her early friends is 
finally discovered, she has gained too much love and devotion to 
be really a sufferer by the surrender of her estates. 

“ Extremely well told and full of interest. Giannetta is a true heroine — 
warm-hearted, self-sacrificing, and, as all good women nowadays are, largely 
touched with enthusiasm of humanity. The illustrations are unusually good, 
Oue of the most attractive gift books of the season.”— T/ie Academy. 


A. L. BtrilT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


Margery Merton’s Girlhood. By Alice Corkran. With full- 
page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 12mo. cloth, price 
$ 1 . 00 . 

The experiences of an orphan girl who in infancy is left by her 
father — an officer in India — to the care of an elderly aunt residing 
near Paris. The accounts of the various persons who have an 
after influence on the story, the school companions of Margery, 
the sisters of the Conventual College of Art, the professor, and 
the peasantry of Fontainebleau, are singularly vivid. There is a 
subtle attraction about the book which will make it a great favorite 
with thoughtful girls. 

“ Another book for girls we can warmly commend. There is a delightful 
piquancy in the experiences and trials of a young English girl who studies 
painting in Paris .” — Saturday Review. 

Under False Colors: A Story from Two Girls’ Lives. By 
Sarah Doudney. With full-page Illustrations by G. G. Kil- 
BURNE. 12mo. cloth, price $1.00. 

A story which has in it so strong a dramatic element that it 
will attract readers of all ages and of either sex. The incidents 
of the plot, arising from the thoughtless indulgence of a decep- 
tive freak, are exceedingly natural, and the keen interest of the 
narrative is sustained from beginning to end. 

“ Sarah Doudney has no superior as a writer of high-toned stories— pure 
in style, original in conception, and with skillfully wrought out plots; but 
we have seen nothing equal in dramatic energy to this hook."— Christian 
.Leader. 

Down the Snow Stairs ; or. From Good-night to Good-morning. 
By Alice Corkran. With Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 
12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

This is a remarkable story: full of vivid fancy and quaint 
originality. In its most fantastic imaginings it carries with it a 
sense of reality, and derives a singular attraction from that com- 
bination of simplicity, originality, and subtle humor, which is so 
' much appreciated by lively and thoughtful children. Children 
of a larger growth will also be deeply interested in Kitty’s strange 
journey, and her wonderful experiences. 

“ Among all the Christmas volumes which the year has brought to our 
table this one stands out facile princeps—a, gem of the first water, bearing 
upon every one of its pages the signet mark of genius. . . . All is told 
with such simplicity and perfect naturalness that the dream appears to be a 
solid reality. It is indeed a Little Pilgrim’s Progress.” —Christian Leader. 

The Tapestry Room: A Child’s Romance. By Mrs. Moles- 
WORTH. Illustrated by Walter Crane. 12mo, cloth, price 
75 cents. 

‘‘Mrs. Molesworth is a charming painter of the nature and ways of children ; 
and she has done good service in giving us this charming juvenile which will 
delight the young pQop\Q."—Athencenm, London. 


A. L. BURT’S PUBIACATIONS. 


Little Miss Peggy : Only a Nursery Story. By Mrs. Moles- 
WORTH. With Illustrations by Walter Crane. 12ino, cloth, 
price 75 cents. 

Mrs. Molesvvorth’s children are finished studies. She is never 
sentimental, but writes common sense in a straightforward man- 
ner. A joyous earnest spirit pervades her work, and her sym- 
pathy is unbounded. She loves them with her whole heart, 
while she lays bare their little minds, and expresses their foibles, 
their faults, their virtues, their inward struggles, their concep- 
tion of duty, and their instinctive knowledge of the right and 
wrong of things. She knows their characters, she understands 
their wants, and she desires to help them. 

Polly: A New Fashioned Girl. By L. T. Meade. Illustrated 
12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Few authors have achieved a popularity equal to Mrs. Meade 
as a writer of stories for young girls. Her characters are living 
beings of flesh and blood, not lay figures of conventional type. 
Into the trials and crosses, and everyday experiences, the reader 
enters at once with zest and hearty sympathy. While Mrs. 
Meade always writes with a high moral purpose, ber lessons of 
life, purity and nobility of character are rather inculcated by 
example than intruded as sermons. 

Rosy. By Mrs. Molesworth. Illustrated by Walter Crane. 
12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

Mrs. Molesworth, considering the quality and quantity of her 
labors, is the best story-teller for children England has yet 
known. This is a bold statement and requires substantiation. 
Mrs. Molesworth, during the last six years, has never failed to 
occilpy a prominent place among the juvenile writers of the 
season. 

“ A very pretty story. . . . The writer knows children and their ways 
well. . . . The illustrations are exceedingly well drawn.” — Spectator. 

Little Sunshine’s Holiday: A Picture from Life. By Miss 

Mulock. Illustrated by Walter Crane. 12mo, cloth, price 

75 cents. 

“ This is a pretty narrative of baby life, describing the simple doings and 
sayings of a very charming and rather precocious child nearly three years 
old.”— Paii Mall Gazette. 

“ Will be delightful to those who have nurseries peopled by ‘ Little Sun- 
shines ’ of their own.” — Athenceum. 

Esther : A Book for Girls. By Rosa N. Carey. Illustrated, 
12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“ She inspires her readers simply by bringing them in contact with the 
characters, who are in themselves inspiring Her simple stories are woven 
in order to give her an opportunity to describe her characters by their own 
conduct in seasons of trial.”— C/iicagro Times. 


A. L. BTJRT^S PUBLICATIONS. 




Sweet Content. By Mrs. Molesworth. Illustrated by W. 
Rainey. 12iuo, clotb, price 75 cents. 

“ It seems to me not at all easier to draw a lifelike child than to draw a 
lifelike man or woman; Shakespeare and Webster were the only two men of 
their aj^e who could do it with perfect delicacy and success. Our own age is 
more fortunate, on this single score at least, having a larger and far nobler 
proportion of female writers; among whom, since the death of George Eliot, 
there is none left whose touch is so exquisite and masterly, whose love is so 
thoroughly according to knowledge, whose bright and sweet invention is so 
fruitful, so truthful, or so delightful as Mrs. Molesworth.”— A. C. Swinburne. 

One of a Covey. By the Author of “Honor Bright,” “Miss 
Toosey’s Mission.” With Numerous Illustrations by H. J. A. 
Miles. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ Full of spirit and life, so well sustained throughout that grown-up readers 
may enjoy it as much as children. This ‘ Covey ’ consists of the twelve 
children of a hard-pressed Dr. Partridge, out of which is chosen a little girl 
to be adopted by a spoilt, fine lady. . . . It is one of the best books of the 
season.” — Guardian. 

“We have rarely read a story for boys and girls with greater pleasure. 
One of the chief characters would not have disgraced Dickens’ pen.” — 
Literary World. 

The Little Princess of Tower Hill. By L. T. Meade. Illus- 
trated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ This is one of the prettiest books for children published, as pretty as a 
pond-lily, and quite as fragrant. Nothing cou!d be imagined more attractive 
to young people than such a combination of fresh pages and fair pictures; 
and while children will rejoice over it — which is much better than crying for 
it— it is a book that can be read with pleasure even by older boys and girls.” 
— Boston Advertiser. 

Honor Bright ; or. The Four- Leaved Shamrock. By the Author 

of “ One of a Covey,” “ Miss Toosey’s Mission,” etc., etc. 

With full-page Illustrations, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“ It requires a special talent to describe the sayings and doings of children, 
and the author of ‘Honor Bright,’ ‘ One of a Covey,’ possesses that talent 
in no small degree.” — Literary Churchman. 

“A cheery, sensible, and healthy tale.” — The Times. 

The Cuckoo Clock. By Mrs. Molesworth. With Illustra- 
tions by Walter Crane. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ A beautiful little story. It will be read with delight by every child into 
whose hands it is placed. . . . The author deserves all the praise that has 
been, is, and will be bestowed on ‘ The Cuckoo Clock.’ Children’s stories are 
plentiful, but one like this is not to be met with every day. '‘'—Fall Mall 
Gazette. 

Girl Neighbors; or, The Old Fashion and the New. By Sarah 
Tytler. With full-page Illustrations by C. T. Garland. 
12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ One of the most effective and quietly humorous of Miss Tytler’s stories. 
‘ Girl Neighbors ’ is a pleasant comedy, not so much of errors as of preju- 
dices got rid of, very healthy, very agreeable, and very well written.”^ 
Spectator. 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


25 


The Little Lame Prince. By Miss Mulock. Illustrated, 
cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ No sweeter— that is the proper word— Christmas story for the little folks 
could easily be found, and it is as delightful for older readers as well. There 
is a moral to it which the reader can find out for himself, if he chooses to 
think.”— iieraZd, Cleveland. 

The Adventures 'of a Brownie. As Told to my Child. By 
Miss Mulock. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ The author of this delightful little book leaves it in doubt all through 
whether there actually is such a creature in existence as a Brownie, but she 
makes us hope that there might be.” — Standard^ C’~'cago. 

Only a Girl : A Story of a Quiet Life. A Tale of Brittany. 
Adapted from the the French by C. A. Jones. Illustrated, 
12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“ We can thoroughly recommend this brightly written and homely narra- 
rative.”- Safardai/ Review. 

Little Rosebud ; or. Things Will Take a Turn. By Beatrice 
Harraden. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ A most delightful little book. . . . Miss Harraden is so bright, so 
healthy, and so natural withal that the book ought, as a matter of duty, to 
be added to every girl’s library in the land.”— Boston Transcript. 

Little Miss Joy. By Emma Marshall. Illustrated, 12mo, 
cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ A very pleasant and instructive story, told by a very charming writer in 
such an attractive way as to win favor among its young readers. The illus- 
trations add to the beauty of the book.” — Utica Herald. 

Little Lucy’s Wonderful Globe. By Charlotte M. Yonge. 

Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ This story is unique among tales intended for children, alike for pleasant 
instruction, quaintness of humor, gentle pathos, and the subtlety with which 
lessons moral and otherwise are conveyed to children, and perhaos to their 
seniors as well.” — The Spectator. 

Joan’s Adventures at the North Pole and Elsewhere. By 

Alice Corkran. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 

“ Wonderful as the adventures of Joan are, it must be admitted that they 
are very naturally worked out and very plausibly presented. Altogether 
this is an excellent story for Saturday Reviexv. 

Count Up the Sunny Days: A Story for Boys and Girls. By 
C. A. Jones. With full-page Illustrations, 12mo, cloth, price 
75 cents. 

“ An unusually good children’s story.” — Glasgow Herald. 

Sue and I. By Mrs. O’Reilly. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 
75 cents. 

“A thoroughly delightful book, full of sound wisdom as well as fun.’*- 
Athenceum, 


26 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. By Lewis Carroll. 
With 42 Illustrations by John Tenniel. 12mo, cloth, price 
75 cents. 

“ From first to last, almost without exception, this story is delightfully 
droll, humorous and illustrated in harmony with the story.”— iVeio York 
Express. 

Celtic Fairy Tales. Edited by Joseph Jacobs. Illustrated by 
J. D. Batten. 12mo, cloth, preic $1.00. 

” A stock of delightful little narratives gathered chiefly from the Celtic 
speaking peasants of Ireland.”— Telegraph. 

“A perfectly lovely book. And ohl the wonderful pictures inside. Get 
this book if you can; it is capital, all through.”— Paii Mall Budget. 

English Fairy Tales. Edited by Joseph Jacobs. Illustrated 
by J. D. Batten. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

‘‘The tales are simply delightful. No amount of description can do them 
justice. The only way is to read the book through from cover to cover.”— 
Magazine and Book Review. 

‘‘ The book is intended to correspond to ‘ Grimm’s Fairy Tales,’ and it must 
be allowed that its pages fairly rival in interest those of the weU-kuown re- 
pository of folk-lore.” — Sydney Morning Herald. 

Indian Fairy Tales. Edited by Joseph Jacobs. Illustrated by 
J. D Batten. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

‘‘ Mr. Jacobs brings home to us in a clear and intelligible manner the enor- 
mous influence which ‘ Indian Fairy Tales ’ have had upon European litera- 
ture of the kind.” — Gloucester Journal. 

” The present combination will be welcomed not alone by the little ones for 
whom it is specially combined, but also by children of larger growth and 
added years."— Daily Telegraph. 

The Blue Fairy Book. Edited by Andrew Land. Profusely 
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“The tales are simply delightful. No amount of description can do them 
Justice. The only way is to read the book through from cover to cover.” — 
Magazine and Book Review. 

The Green Fairy Book. Edited by Andrew Lang. Profusely 
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“The most delightful book of fairytales, taking form and contents to- 
gether, ever presented to children.”— E. S. Hartland, in Folk-Lore. 

The Yellow Fairy Book. Edited by Andrew Lang. Profusely 
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“ As a collection of fairy tales to delight children of all ages ranks second 
to none." —Daily Graphic (with illustrations). 

Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There. 

By Lewis Carroll. With 50 Illustrations by John Tenniel. 

“ A delight alike to the young people and their elders, ejctremely funny 
both in text and illustrations.”— Postow Express. 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


27 


The Heir of Redclyffe. By Charlotte M. Yonge. Illustrated, 
12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“A narrative full of interest from first to last. It is told clearly and in a 
straightforward manner and arrests the attention of the reader at once, so 
that one feels afresh the unspeakable pathos of the story to the end.” — 
London Graphic. 

The Dove in the Eagle’s Nest. By Charlotte M. Yonge. 
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

“ Among all the modern writers we believe Miss Yonge first, not in genius, 
but in this, that she employs her great abilities for a high and noble purpose. 
We know of few modern writers whose works may be so safely commended 
as hers.""— Cleveland Times. 

A Sweet Girl Graduate. By L. T. Meade. Illustrated, 12mo, 
cloth, price $1.00. 

“ One of this popular author’s best. The characters are well imagined and 
drawn. The story moves with plenty of spirit and the interest does not fiag 
until the end too quickly comes.” — P^'ovidence Journal. 

The Palace Beautiful : A Story for Girls. By L. T. Meade. 
Illustrated, cloth, 12rao, price $1.00. 

“ A bright and interesting story. The many admirers of Mrs. L. T. Meade 
in this country will be delighted with the ‘ Palace Beautiful ’ for more reasons 
than one.” — New York Recorder. 

A World of Girls: The Story of a School. By L. T. Meade. 
Illustrated, 12m o, cloth, price $1.00. 

” One of those wholesome stories which it does one good to read. It will 
afford pure delight to her numerous readers.” — Boston Home Journal. 

The Lady of the Forest : A Story for Girls. By L. T. Meade. 
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

‘‘This story is written in the author’s well-known, fresh and easy style. 
All girls fond of reading will be charmed by this well- written story. It is 
told with the author’s customary grace and spirit.”— Boston Times. 

At the Back of the North Wind. By George Macdonald. 

Illustrated by George Groves, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

‘‘A very pretty story, with much of the freshness and vigor of Mr. Mac- 
donald’s earlier work. . . . It is a sweet, earnest, and wholesome fairy 
story, and the quaint native humor is delightful. A most delightful volume 
for young readers.” — Philadelphia Times. 

The Water Babies : A Fairy Tale for a Land Baby, By Charles 

Kingsley. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

‘‘ The strength of his work, as well as its peculiar charms, consist in his 
description of the experiences of a youth with life under water in the luxu- 
riant wealth of whic^ he revels with all the ardor of a poetical nature.” — 
N9W York Tribune. 


THE LITTLE MEN SERIES. 


Uniform Cloth Binding. Profusely 
Illustrated. 

PRICE 75 CENTS PER COPY.\ 

This series of boys’ books have been selected 
from the writing:s of a large number of popular 
authors of juvenile stories, and are particularly 
adapted to interest and supply attractive reading 
for young boys. The books are profusely illus- 
trated, and any one seeking to find a book to gi'^ e 
a young boy cannot make a mistake by selecting 
from the following list of titles. 



Black Beauty. The Autobiography of a Horse. By Anna Sewell. Illus- 
trated, cloth, price 75 cents. 

Carrots: Just a Little Boy. By Mrs. Molesworth. Illustrated, cloth, 
price 75 cents. 

Chunk, Fuskey and Snout. A Story of Wild Pigs for Little People. 
By Gerald Young. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. 

Daddy’s Boy. By L. T. Meade. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. 

Flat Iron for a Farthing", A. The Story of an Only Son. By Juliana 
lIoRATiA Ewing. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. 

Flock of Four, A. A Story for Boys and Gh’ls. By Ismay Thorn. Il- 
lustrated, clotn, price 75 cents. 

Geoff and Jim. A Story of School Life. By Ismay Thorn. Illustrated, 
cloth, price 75 cents. 

Jack: A Topsy Turvy Story. By C. M. [Crawley-Boevey. Illustrated, 
cloth, price 75 cents. 

Jackanapes. By Juliana Horatia Ewing. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 
cents. 

Larry’s Luck. By the author of “Miss Toosey’s Mission,” “Tom’s Opin- 
ion.” Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. 

Little Ivan’s Hero. A Story of Child Life. By Helen Milman. Illus- 
trated, cloth, price 75 cents. 

Mopsa the Fairy. A Fairy Story for Boys. By Jean Ingelow. Illus- 
trated, cloth, price 75 cents. 

My Dog" Plato: His Adventures and Impressions. By M. H. Cornwall 
Legh. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. 

Peter the Pilg"rim. The Story of a Boy and His Pet Rabbit. By L. T. 
Meade. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. 

Prince Prigio, Adventures of. By Andrew Lang. Illustrated, cloth, 
price 75 cents. 

Robin’s Ride. A Story for Children. By Ellinor D, Adams. Illustrated, 
cloth, price 75 cents. 

Squib and His Friends. A 'Story for Children. By Ellen Everett 
Green. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. 

Tom’s Opinion. The Story of a Boys' School. By the author of “ Miss 
Toosey’s Mission.” Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. 

We and the World, A Story for Boys. By Juliana Horatia Ewing. 
Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. 

Wonder Book, A: For Boys and Girls. Comprising Stories of Classical 
Fables. A-y Nathaniel Hawthorne. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. 


For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the pub- 
lisher, A* L* BURT, 97 Reajle Street, New York,. 









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